AgTech Learning & Achievements Research

KAUST & Aeon Collective Issue Call to Action on Land Restoration and Food Systems

Researchers from KAUST & the Aeon Collective have called for global action on land restoration and food systems to combat climate change.
Photo by The Tampa Bay Estuary Program on Unsplash

Key Takeaways

  • Researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Aeon Collective have called for global action on land restoration and food systems to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
  • A new policy paper, “Bending the Curve: A Call to Action on Land Restoration and Sustainability,” was launched at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • The framework aims to halve degraded land by 2050 and achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030, emphasizing the need for international collaboration, technological innovation, community empowerment, and sustainable food systems.
  • COP16 marks the first time a Middle Eastern country has hosted the event, highlighting the region’s growing role in global sustainability efforts.

Recommendations from the Policy Paper by KAUST

The framework outlines key actions to address land degradation and promote sustainability:

  • Strengthening International Collaboration
    • Foster synergies between UN Conventions on climate, biodiversity, and land.
    • Establish an Integrated Conventions Panel for joint policy recommendations and accountability.
  • Leveraging Technology and Data
    • Use AI and earth observation tools for real-time land health monitoring.
    • Create a global standard for consistent data access and governance.
  • Empowering Local Communities
    • Integrate indigenous knowledge and inclusive governance.
    • Provide smallholder farmers with access to land tenure, markets, and sustainable technologies.
  • Promoting Sustainable Food Systems
    • Focus on regenerative agriculture and aim to reduce food waste by 75% by 2050.
    • Encourage dietary shifts toward plant-based foods and sustainably sourced seafood.
  • Setting Post-2030 Targets
    • Commit to halving degraded land by 2050 while achieving LDN by 2030.
  • Mobilizing Innovative Financing
    • Establish Green Bonds and Sustainable Land Investment Funds.
    • Implement debt-for-nature swaps and blended finance models for large-scale restoration.

Addressing Land Degradation’s Impact

The policy paper highlights the link between land degradation and climate change, noting how degraded lands:

  • Reduce carbon sequestration capacity, exacerbating global warming.
  • Decrease crop yields, leading to unsustainable agricultural practices.
  • Impact food security and water availability.

By focusing on restoration, the initiative aims to enhance ecosystem resilience, support biodiversity, and mitigate climate impacts.


Leadership Perspectives

Professor Fernando Maestre, KAUST Desertification Expert: “Food systems are not just another environmental issue; they are central to our global challenges of climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. While international agreements exist for climate and biodiversity, food systems remain critically under-addressed.”

Princess Noura bint Turki Al Saud and Princess Mashael bint Saud AlShalan, Aeon Collective Co-Founders: “Our vision at Aeon is to transform sustainability into a reality where Saudi Arabia leads by example. This collaboration with KAUST demonstrates our commitment to pioneering solutions that balance ecology, heritage, and community.”

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