Faqeeha: Global awareness on land degradation, drought & desertification priority
The Deputy Minister of Environment for Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ibrahim Faqeeha says the Kingdom's focus is to raise global awareness about the severe impact of land degradation, drought and desertification. In a chat with CNBC Africa, he notes awareness levels are currently low stressing immediate action is needed to address these issues to ensure food security.
Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:19:17 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- Importance of land in ensuring water and food security
- Challenges faced by Africa in terms of land degradation and drought
- Need for international collaboration to address land degradation and implement sustainable solutions
In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Dr. Ibrahim Faqeeha, the Deputy Minister of Environment for Saudi Arabia, emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to raising global awareness about the severe impact of land degradation, drought, and desertification. Dr. Faqeeha highlighted the critical importance of land in ensuring water and food security, pointing out that 95% of the world's food is produced on land. The delicate balance between rainfall, vegetation cover, and soil condition can be easily disrupted, leading to the loss of fertile soil and water resources. This, in turn, has profound implications for biodiversity, economy, and climate change. With Africa facing significant challenges related to land degradation and drought, immediate action is paramount. Dr. Faqeeha commended Africa for its regional initiatives such as the Africa Great Green Wall and Africa 100, aimed at restoring forests and combating desertification. However, he stressed the need for continued international collaboration to implement effective and sustainable solutions to address these pressing issues.