Muscat: The Statistical Centre of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) said the region continues to strengthen measures to protect land resources and restore degraded ecosystems in line with international environmental agreements and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to the centre, all GCC member states ratified the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification between 1996 and 1999, reflecting an early commitment to tackling land degradation, drought and the sustainable management of natural resources.

The centre noted that 14 civil society organisations from across the GCC are accredited under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). These organisations play a key role in supporting government-led environmental initiatives, raising public awareness and contributing to the protection and sustainable use of natural resources.

Rangelands remain a priority for GCC countries due to their importance in supporting food security and preserving biodiversity. Member states have introduced national regulations to curb overgrazing, organise grazing seasons and promote sustainable land management to safeguard these ecosystems for future generations.

As part of efforts to strengthen international cooperation, Saudi Arabia is leading the Silk Road Campaign, an initiative designed to connect the outcomes of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the UNCCD, hosted in Riyadh in 2024, with the upcoming COP17 in Mongolia this August. The initiative aims to unite global efforts to restore degraded land and improve resilience against climate change.

Marking the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, GCC-Stat stressed that investing in the restoration of degraded rangelands and adopting sustainable land management practices are essential to enhancing ecosystem resilience, strengthening food security and building a more sustainable future for the region.