The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) recently concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, 2024. This event, marking the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, gathered 197 parties to unite in addressing the urgent challenges of land degradation, drought, and desertification that impact our planet and communities.

At Dendra, we are proud to announce that we received an Award of Excellence at COP16, presented by Prof. Ahmed Alfarhan, the chairman of the Scientific Committee of COP16. This recognition, awarded during the Green Arabia Forum in the Green Zone, highlights our contributions to the conference and our ongoing commitment to both regional and global environmental restoration and management. This honor underscores the incredible efforts of our dedicated team, our passionate partners, and our customers who believe in – and work towards – a more sustainable future.

Here are some key highlights from COP16:

1. Global Drought Atlas Launched – the conference opened with the unveiling of the ‘Global Drought Atlas,’ an essential report that emphasizes the role of human activities and land management in exacerbating drought conditions. The forecast suggests that by 2050, drought could affect three out of four people worldwide. This vital resource promotes proactive measures such as early warning systems, innovative solutions like microinsurance for farmers, and extensive land restoration efforts.

2. International Drought Resilience Observatory (IDRO) – Spain and Senegal announced the formation of the International Drought Resilience Observatory (IDRO). This state-of-the-art AI-based platform is designed to facilitate data sharing and analysis, empowering countries to improve their drought resilience. By fostering collaboration and informed decision-making, IDRO represents a significant advancement in our collective response to drought challenges.

3. Focus on Land Governance – Governance Day at COP16 highlighted the importance of inclusive land governance. Key discussions emphasized the vital roles that youth, women, and civil society play in shaping policies and driving action. The Riyadh Action Agenda aims to accelerate investment in land restoration and enhance drought resilience through equitable and inclusive approaches.

4. Global Aridification Trends – a striking report shared at the conference revealed that over the past three decades, more than three-quarters of the world’s land has become permanently drier. With around 2.3 billion people living in expanding drylands, the urgent need for sustainable land management practices has never been clearer. This underscores our shared responsibility in addressing climate change and protecting our ecosystems.

Catalysts for Change: Dendra’s Commitment to Sustainable Solutions

In addition to receiving recognition at COP16, Dendra actively contributed to several panels and keynotes focused on vital topics related to Vegetation Monitoring & Governance, as well as the role of technology and startups in scaling regenerative efforts to combat desertification and address the land-water nexus. We showcased how our AI-driven solutions bridge critical data gaps in environmental monitoring, enhance vegetation management, and effectively combat desertification by facilitating informed decision-making for sustainable land governance.

As Georges T. Ibrahim emphasized during one of his keynotes, “The next wave of innovation is about solving systemic challenges, and at Dendra, we are proud to play a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient planet.”

Looking Ahead

For over a decade, Dendra has been focused on innovation in environmental management. As we reflect on the outcomes of COP16, we remain committed to supporting inclusive governance, leveraging new technologies, and advancing sustainable practices. We welcome you to connect with us and learn more about our efforts in environmental management. Together, we can work towards meaningful solutions for a more resilient planet.