The Arab League's Efforts to Combat Desertification and Promote Sustainable Land Management
The Arab League has expressed concern over the negative impact of persistent natural resource depletion and land degradation on food security and stability in the region. With 90% of Arab countries' land classified as dry or extremely dry, the region is highly susceptible to desertification.
Regional Collaboration and Sustainable Development Initiatives
Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al Maliki, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Economic Affairs Sector at the Arab League, emphasized the need for regional collaboration to address these issues. He stressed the importance of complying with environmental treaties and implementing sustainable development initiatives.
Arab Environment Day and Efforts to Combat Desertification
The Arab Environment Day celebration, held at the Arab League's headquarters in Cairo, focused on the theme "Land Restoration for Enhanced Resilience." Experts from Arab nations, international organizations, and civil society discussed efforts to combat desertification, improve resilience to drought, and implement sustainable environmental practices.
The Arab Council of Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs has introduced several programs aimed at fulfilling the objectives of the Arab Declaration on Environment and Development. These programs target desertification, industrial pollution, and the promotion of a green and circular economy across the region.
Partnership with China and Upcoming Meeting of Arab Ministers
The Arab League has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China to establish the China-Arab International Research Centre for Drought, Desertification, and Land Degradation. This partnership aims to leverage China's expertise in desertification control to enhance the region's capacity for sustainable land management.
The upcoming 35th meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment will convene in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss further strategies for combating environmental challenges across the Arab region.