Photo Credit: WAM
Dubai, UAE — June 2026 — GCC countries are continuing to strengthen efforts to protect land and restore degraded ecosystems, the GCC Statistical Centre confirmed, citing the bloc’s firm commitment to international environmental agreements and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The statement coincides with World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, an occasion the Centre said highlights the importance of investing in the restoration of degraded rangelands and adopting sustainable land management practices, efforts that support food security, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and contribute to a more sustainable future for the region.
Saudi-Led “Silk Road Campaign”
As part of broader international cooperation to address desertification and drought, Saudi Arabia is leading the “Silk Road Campaign,” an initiative designed to link the outcomes of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification — hosted by Riyadh in 2024 — with the 17th session, set to take place in Mongolia this August. The campaign aims to unify international efforts supporting land rehabilitation and strengthening climate change adaptation.
Early and unanimous ratification
All GCC member states ratified the UN Convention to Combat Desertification between 1996 and 1999, the Centre noted, reflecting early regional engagement with the challenges of land degradation and drought, as well as a longstanding commitment to the sustainable management of natural resources.
Civil society engagement
According to the Centre, 14 civil society organizations across GCC countries are currently accredited under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. These organizations serve as an important complement to government efforts, supporting environmental initiatives, raising community awareness, and contributing to the protection and sustainability of natural resources.
Rangeland management a priority
The Centre underscored that GCC states place particular importance on rangelands as a vital natural resource underpinning food security and biodiversity conservation. Member states have implemented national systems to regulate rangeland use, curb overgrazing, manage grazing seasons, and oversee land use — measures intended to safeguard these resources for future generations.
