BrazilAddressing land degradation – one of the KSA’s largest climate challenges
Land degradation is one of the most significant environmental concerns the world faces today, compounded by issues such as water scarcity, rising temperatures and energy-intensive economies. Faisal Al-Sarraj, Senior Partner at PwC, outlines why the matter is of key importance to Saudi Arabia and how Land degradation could be prevented and reversed.
The issue of land degradation is particularly acute in the arid Middle East, where harsh climates intensify its effects. With more than half the countries in the region classified as extremely water-stressed, this is a crisis that demands immediate and robust action.
In Saudi Arabia, a nation with a deep cultural and historical bond to the land, the urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. With its vast deserts and limited arable area, the Kingdom faces unique land degradation challenges driven by hyperaridity, overgrazing, water scarcity and rapid population growth.
Land degradation in KSA
According to the UN, approximately 24 billion tons of fertile soil are lost globally each year due to erosion, directly affecting more than 1.3 billion people , with a staggering $10 trillion in global economic costs. The UNCCD’s target aims to restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030.
In the Middle East, communities have historically combated land degradation through resource management techniques like seasonal migrations and local irrigation systems, highlighting indigenous knowledge in water conservation and sustainable agriculture.
However, these time-tested practices are increasingly under threat. Urbanisation, population growth, economic expansion and climate change are straining natural resources, while shifting weather intensifies the risk of land degradation, making it critical to introduce modern approaches.
The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), introduced in 2021, is one such key programme that aims to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. With approximately 70% of the land in Saudi Arabia affected by desertification, the SGI is complemented by the broader, even more ambitious Middle East Green Initiative, which looks to plant 50 billion trees and rehabilitate 200 million hectares of land across the region.
The Kingdom has committed around $2.5 billion to achieving the goals of the Middle East Green Initiative.
Key enablers of combating land degradation
Financing is a cornerstone of effective land stewardship and private sector engagement is a critical enabler for the long-term success of restoration initiatives. Organisations that invest in land restoration not only contribute to environmental sustainability but can also secure their long-term stability. Studies indicate that every $1 invested in land restoration could yield returns of up to $30 , highlighting the substantial economic benefits of sustainable land management practices.
From a governmental standpoint, the Saudi Green Financing Framework (GFF) exemplifies the Kingdom's commitment to mobilising private and public sector resources towards environmental protection. Through green bonds and sukuks, the GFF channels investments into afforestation, biodiversity restoration and sustainable land management.
By the first quarter of 2024, ESG-linked sukuks reached $40 billion globally, with 45% held by Saudi Arabia . This financial mechanism ensures the availability of essential resources to combat land degradation on a large scale.
Regulatory frameworks are also vital in setting standards and ensuring compliance. The GFF not only provides financial resources but also establishes a regulatory environment that encourages sustainable practices. By incentivising investment in land restoration and sustainable agriculture, the framework ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into economic decision-making.
Innovation and advanced technologies, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) are the other critical enablers when it comes to combating land degradation. These innovations enable the collection of critical data on crop conditions, soil quality and weather patterns, empowering informed decisions on planting, fertilisation, irrigation and harvesting.
In Saudi Arabia, AI is supporting the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) by identifying optimal planting locations. The Saudi Data and AI Authority is also collaborating with government entities to harness AI for analysing climate data, soil conditions, and water availability.
We are seeing the increasing use of AI as a powerful tool in land conservation and restoration projects worldwide. In southeast Spain, the Murcia region, for example, is harnessing AI to tackle land degradation and desertification. As part of Microsoft's AI for Earth initiative, machine learning tools are integrated with geospatial data analytics and machine vision techniques to develop predictive models that forecast water demands. This supports sustainable water resource management – an urgent priority in Spain’s increasingly arid landscape.
Further reading: Technologies to tackle land degradation in arid and hyper-arid regions.
The recent UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP29 hosted in Azerbaijan showcased how AI models could assist farmers through improving irrigation systems and modifying fertilisation , while IoT systems in agricultural water management could reduce water consumption by 30% and increase crop yields by 25%.
A commitment to land stewardship
I am optimistic that the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh will serve as a catalyst for transformative change. While its success in convening global leaders, environmental experts and stakeholders to address land degradation is commendable, I am particularly hopeful that the event will drive education and awareness – essential foundations for fostering a culture of sustainability.
By highlighting the impacts of land degradation and promoting sustainable practices, COP16 empowers communities to take action, building a collective commitment to land stewardship.
The conference’s theme, ‘Our Land. Our Future’, resonates strongly with the people of Saudi Arabia, reflecting their deep-rooted connection between land stewardship and heritage. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the impactful outcomes of COP16 in tackling land degradation and securing the Kingdom’s future.
Addressing this issue is not only an environmental and economic imperative but also a moral one, requiring immediate action to secure a sustainable future. While the journey ahead is challenging, collective action can ensure that our land remains a vibrant, life-sustaining resource for generations to come.
