UNCCD COP 16 RIYADH

Advocating for Land Restoration at COP 16 in Riyadh Saudi Arabia

In December 2024, Plus One Tree Initiative had the privilege of actively participating in the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This global gathering brought together policymakers, environmental experts, and grassroots organizations to address the urgent challenges of land degradation, desertification, and climate resilience.

Our engagement at COP 16 centered on advocating for sustainable environmental practices, promoting innovative reforestation techniques, and emphasizing the role of community-driven restoration projects. As an organization committed to restoring degraded landscapes, our participation underscored the importance of inclusive, science-based solutions in the fight against desertification.

Key Highlights from Our Participation

Showcasing Community-Driven Restoration

We shared insights from our Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) project in the Lake Baringo Basin, Kenya. Through our work, we have successfully mapped highly degraded areas and implemented targeted restoration efforts, demonstrating how local communities can play a critical role in reversing land degradation.

Photo: Plus One Tree Initiative Head of Partnerships Amos Aengwo during a presentation session
Photo: POTI Members after a presentation session at GEO-LDN Pavillion during COP 16

Exploring Innovative Reforestation Techniques
Our presentations emphasized the importance of climate-smart tree planting techniques, water conservation strategies, and soil regeneration methods. We engaged with global experts to exchange knowledge on the latest advancements in sustainable land management.

Photo: POTI members exibiting various technologies that can be applied in land restoration at Greening Arabia Pavillion

Advocating for Policy Support
During panel discussions and side events, we highlighted the need for policies that empower grassroots initiatives. We called for increased investment in nature-based solutions and capacity-building programs that equip communities with the skills and resources needed to restore their lands.

In Picture: POTI members posing for a photo after a side event session in the Blue Zone, MET-09.

Strengthening Partnerships
COP 16 provided a platform to connect with like-minded organizations, researchers, and policymakers. We established meaningful collaborations that will help expand our restoration projects and drive impactful change in our

In Picture:Strengthening partnerships for land restoration – Plus One Tree Founder Bennittes Kipyegon and Director of Partnerships Amos Aengwo formalizing collaboration with Côte d’Ivoire-based CEA Groupe S.A. at the their stand in the UNCCD COP 16 Green Zone

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