By Wilis Moyo

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – June 5, 2024

In a global effort to combat environmental challenges, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is taking center stage on World Environment Day. The spotlight is on critical issues such as land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. As the world grapples with the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature loss, and pollution, Saudi Arabia is stepping up with innovative solutions.

Saudi Arabia has launched two ambitious initiatives: the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI). These programs aim to restore degraded lands, promote sustainable land management, and enhance resilience. With a budget of at least US$2.5 billion over the next decade, the MGI focuses on dryland countries, while the SGI unites national efforts.

The Urgency of Land Restoration

Experts emphasize that nearly half of the global population faces the impacts of land degradation, drought, and desertification. These issues not only threaten livelihoods but also compromise global GDP. However, there’s hope: every dollar invested in land restoration can yield up to $30 in ecosystem services. By restoring just 15% of land and halting further conversion, we could prevent up to 60% of expected species extinctions.

Saudi Arabia’s Leadership and Global Goals

During its G20 presidency, Saudi Arabia championed the adoption of the Global Land Restoration Initiative. Now, as host of the upcoming UN Convention to Combat Desertification’s conference of the parties in December, the Kingdom aims to build momentum toward restoration goals. Countries worldwide have pledged to restore one billion hectares of land—an area larger than China. Achieving this milestone would be a significant step in combating land degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

Zimbabwe’s Environmental Concerns

Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, environmental challenges persist:

– Land Degradation: Eroded and depleted soils threaten agricultural productivity.

– Deforestation: Loss of forests impacts climate regulation and biodiversity.

– Veld Fires: Uncontrolled fires harm ecosystems and wildlife.

– Water and Air Pollution: Contaminated water sources and air quality issues persist.

– Biodiversity Loss: Zimbabwe has lost 54 plant species, 20 bird species, 11 mammalian species, and seven amphibian species due to environmental degradation.

– Overexploitation: Natural resources are under strain.

– Climate Change: Projections indicate significant species loss by 2100.

– Invasive Alien Species: Non-native species disrupt local ecosystems.

A Call to Action

World Environment Day 2024 serves as a rallying cry for governments, communities, and individuals worldwide. Together, we must accelerate land restoration efforts, enhance drought resilience, and combat desertification. By safeguarding our planet’s ecosystems, we empower future generations and protect the delicate balance of life on Earth.