From Saudi Arabia…Innovations and Pioneering Research in Combating Desertification and Drought: Morocco Showcases Its Success Stories at COP16..

Soil forms the very foundation of life on Earth, yet its degradation due to desertification and drought has emerged as a pressing global environmental and humanitarian challenge. In response to this crisis, the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) commenced on December 9 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This pivotal event aims to foster international collaboration to rehabilitate degraded lands and mitigate the severe impacts of drought on ecosystems and livelihoods.

Morocco made a significant mark at COP16, represented by a high-level delegation led by the Director General of the National Agency for Water and Forests. This participation aligns seamlessly with the visionary approach of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who champions innovative and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Among Morocco’s hallmark strategies are the ambitious “Green Generation” strategy and the “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030” program, which prioritize the protection of natural resources and fortify climate resilience, especially in vulnerable regions.

During the conference, Dr. Rachid Moussadek, a prominent researcher at the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), shed light on the urgent threats posed by desertification and drought. He emphasized that these phenomena jeopardize soil quality and compromise the sustainability of agricultural, forestry, and pastoral systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.

Dr. Moussadek explained that factors such as overexploitation of land, climate change, and water scarcity are accelerating soil fertility loss. This, in turn, threatens food security and disrupts the livelihoods of rural communities.

Dr. Moussadek, alongside Dr. Mahyou Hamid, presented groundbreaking research findings on monitoring Morocco’s agricultural and rangeland systems. These efforts are part of a broader national commitment to sustainable land management and include the following initiatives:

Conservation Agriculture Practices: Focused on preserving soil health while boosting productivity through reduced tillage and improved crop rotation.

Agroforestry Systems: Integrating agriculture with forestry to enhance biodiversity, restore soil fertility, and create sustainable livelihoods.

Drought Monitoring Systems: Utilizing advanced geospatial and informational tools to assess and mitigate drought impacts.

Soil Information Systems: Establishing digital platforms supported by international collaborations, such as the “Soil4Med” project with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to optimize soil management and decision-making.

The Moroccan delegation highlighted the critical need for enhanced international partnerships, particularly between South-South and North-South countries, to exchange expertise and bolster collective efforts against desertification. Additionally, they advocated for increased climate finance and the implementation of carbon credit mechanisms to support projects aimed at restoring soils and rangelands.

Morocco’s active participation in COP16 underscores its unwavering dedication to addressing desertification and drought through a comprehensive and sustainable approach. The country’s innovative strategies and on-the-ground initiatives serve as a beacon of inspiration for other nations grappling with similar challenges.

Through its visionary leadership and commitment to transformative solutions, Morocco continues to cement its role as a global leader in environmental sustainability and a trusted partner in international cooperation. As the world faces mounting environmental crises, Morocco’s

example demonstrates that bold, integrated actions can pave the way toward a more resilient and sustainable future.