At the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), China officially opened its exhibition space, showcasing decades of efforts and achievements in combating desertification. Covering over 600 square meters, this space, the second-largest national exhibition at the event, is themed “Cross-Century Green Great Wall, China’s Restoration in Action.” It highlights China’s key national initiative, the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, aimed at reversing land desertification.
During the opening ceremony, UNCCD Deputy Executive Secretary Andrea Meza Murillo praised China’s significant contributions to global desertification control. “Seeing the efforts of different generations in combating desertification and China’s leadership in this process deeply moved me,” said Murillo, emphasizing the importance of effective policies, community and local government involvement, and innovation and technology in China’s success.
Guan Zhi’ou, head of the Chinese delegation and administrator of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, remarked, “For 30 years, China has actively fulfilled its responsibilities under the convention and has played a key role in global desertification control, working alongside countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.” Guan also stated that China aims to contribute its technologies and experiences to achieve the 2030 global land degradation neutrality target and advance the G20 global land initiative.
China’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Chang Hua, highlighted the growing cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in combating desertification. He emphasized China’s support for Saudi Arabia’s Green Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives, as well as the development of renewable energy in the region.
Held from December 2 to 13 under the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” COP16 is the largest UN land-focused conference to date and the first UNCCD COP held in the Middle East and North Africa. The conference aims to address issues such as increasing resilience to droughts and sandstorms, improving soil health, and scaling up nature-positive food production, with a focus on collective actions for 2030 and beyond.