The
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 convened from 2–13 December in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the theme Our Land. Our Future. Jointly with the Ministry of Environment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat (MPS) hosted a side event on 4 December on Land Day, highlighting the role of mountains in dryland areas. in supporting human life and biodiversity.
Rosalaura Romeo, coordinator of the MPS, emphasized that mountains are home to 1.1 billion people and provide essential goods and services, including over 50 percent of the world's freshwater. She stressed that mountain drylands supply around 90 percent of the freshwater to surrounding dry lowlands.
A panel discussion followed, featuring experts from various fields. Rahmah Al Qthaneen from King Khalid University highlighted the role of mountain ecosystems in food security and biodiversity. Sanjeev Bhuchar from the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) discussed the resilience of ecosystems in the Hindu Kush Himalaya. Robert Stefanski of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) emphasized mountains as crucial water sources. Ibrahim Aref from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture discussed the socioeconomic and environmental importance of mountain terraces. Robert Sheldon from the Soudah Development Company highlighted the potential of mountains for cultural and tourism development.
Ashkhen Mesropyan, co-founder of the Mountain Youth Hub, noted, "Mountain youth often face social and geographical isolation, leading many to migrate to cities for better opportunities. This exodus threatens both their future and the sustainability of mountain ecosystems and communities". She emphasized the importance of young people in revitalizing mountain areas.
The side event also underlined International Mountain Day, celebrated on 11 December, with the theme "Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation and youth".
Recommendations included upscaling afforestation and reforestation, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, supporting traditional knowledge, encouraging inclusive policies, and rehabilitating agricultural terraces. There was a strong call for strengthening youth participation and promoting the mountain agenda, as well as encouraging governments to join the Mountain Partnership.
The FAO, in a
tweet quoting Rosalaura Romeo, highlighted the importance of these often overlooked ecosystems: "Dryland mountain ecosystems are among the least-known environments, but are essential to biodiversity, food security and livelihoods. The @UNMountains is the global platform that promotes awareness about mountains on the global agenda".
This event provided a valuable opportunity to bring attention to the crucial role of mountain ecosystems in drylands and to mobilize support for their conservation and sustainable management.
