Saudi Arabia, hosting the summit, closed the talks after extended negotiations failed to resolve the impasse. Discussions on the matter were postponed until COP17 in 2026, set to take place in Mongolia. Ibrahim Thiaw, the UNCCD's executive secretary, emphasized the need for more time to address drought effectively.
The stakes are high, as a UNCCD report revealed that three-quarters of Earth's land has become permanently drier over the last three decades. Without decisive action, the trend could exacerbate food shortages, wildfires, mass migration, and other crises.
Diverging Views on Drought Solutions
The UNCCD proposed seven policy options, ranging from a legally binding protocol to a non-binding framework. African nations advocated for a binding agreement, citing inadequate financial resources for combating drought. However, opponents, including the U.S., argued that drought's localized causes are best addressed with flexible, region-specific solutions.
Jes Weigelt of TMG Research criticized the lack of progress since the last COP in Côte d'Ivoire, calling the delay a "loss of precious time." Many nations opposed to a binding protocol suggested redirecting resources to mitigate drought impacts rather than spending them on negotiations.
Funding Falls Short
While the summit failed to secure a global drought mechanism, it launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, pledging over $12 billion to help 80 vulnerable nations. Key contributions included $10 billion from Gulf-based finance institutions and $1 billion each from the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development.
However, this figure pales in comparison to the $2.6 trillion the UNCCD estimates is needed by 2030 to combat drought and land degradation.
Expanded Focus and Indigenous Representation
Despite the stalemate on drought, COP16 approved several decisions, including the creation of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities caucuses to amplify marginalized voices in UNCCD processes. The summit also expanded the convention's remit to include rangelands—grasslands, shrublands, savannas, and tundra—which cover half of Earth's land surface.
Experts praised the inclusion of pastoralism, a livelihood often dismissed as "backward," into the UNCCD's scope. This decision acknowledges the significant role herders play in sustainable land management.
Raising Awareness
COP16 attracted more participants and attention than previous land-focused conferences, highlighting the growing urgency of land degradation issues. UNCCD chief scientist Barron Orr stressed that land degradation affects everyone, even those far removed from the soil. "The coffee we drank this morning and the clothes we wear likely contributed to land degradation somewhere else in the world," Orr noted.
As global crises tied to land degradation intensify, the need for collective, effective action becomes increasingly urgent. The path to agreement, however, remains fraught with political and logistical challenges.