ICBA Advances Innovation and Collaboration for Sustainable Land Restoration at COP16

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) showcased a significant presence at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) during its sixteenth session in Riyadh, themed “Our Land. Our Future.” This event, marking the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD. The gathering brought together global leaders, scientists, and policymakers with the shared objective of accelerating land restoration and enhancing resilience.

Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, the Director General of ICBA, emphasized the institution’s dedication to science-driven solutions and inclusive collaboration aimed at combating land degradation. She stated, “Our commitment to empowering women, advancing biosaline agriculture, and building community resilience reflects in our innovative contributions towards sustainable ecosystems.”

Strategic Dialogues and Innovations

During the Food and Agricultural Systems Day, Dr. Alzaabi participated in the “NENA High-Level Breakfast Dialogue on Investment for Planet and People,” hosted by the UNCCD Secretariat and regional stakeholders. Dr. Alzaabi stressed the importance of climate-resilient solutions, capacity development, and nature-based approaches to advance ecosystem restoration in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.

In collaboration with ICRISAT and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Dr. Alzaabi discussed ICBA’s breakthroughs in stress-tolerant crops such as millet and sorghum, effective water management, and biosaline agriculture. ICBA’s flagship programs, including initiatives designed to empower women and youth in dryland agriculture, were highlighted as models for innovation and resilience building.

At the UAE Pavilion, Dr. Alzaabi, accompanied by Ms. Nour El Jundi, led a Fireside Chat titled “Biosaline Accelerators for Land Restoration.” This session delved into pioneering biosaline agriculture practices, exploring their potential to rejuvenate degraded lands and ensure sustainable agricultural practices in dry regions. Discussions focused on ICBA’s solutions, featuring the use of salt-tolerant crops and innovative technologies.

Empowering Communities Through Science and Collaboration

Dr. Charbel Tarraf, Chief Operations and Development at ICBA, spoke during a session on “Innovative Multi-faceted Approaches to Land Restoration,” organized by UNCCD and ICBA. He highlighted the transformative potential of biosaline agriculture in land rehabilitation, asserting the pivotal role of women in sustainable land management. The dialogue underscored ICBA’s integrative approach that combines scientific innovation with community-based practices.

Ms. Nour El Jundi also represented ICBA during the Agri-Food Systems Day, participating in a session on “Regenerative Agriculture as a Solution to Desertification.” She presented ICBA’s methodologies in regenerative agriculture, detailing strategies to restore soil health, support sustainable food systems, and rejuvenate degraded lands in arid regions.

The UAE Pavilion hosted a session titled “Soil Health to Combat Land Desertification,” featuring insights from ICBA representatives and highlighting biosaline techniques for soil revitalization. Presentations included advanced research on soil amendments and microbial solutions, demonstrating innovative approaches to enhancing land resilience.

Innovative Solutions and Strategic Collaborations

Stress-tolerant Seeds Showcase

The UAE Pavilion at COP16 prominently featured ICBA’s role as a hub for smart resilience and water management technologies. Highlighted were ICBA’s innovative strategies to tackle climatic challenges, such as a robust portfolio of stress-tolerant seeds. These seeds, native to saline and arid environments like those in the UAE, bolster biodiversity, combat soil erosion, and enhance agricultural resilience. Moreover, ICBA showcased land rehabilitation techniques, including the use of Prosopis juliflora, embodying practical solutions for desertification and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Looking Ahead

ICBA’s proactive engagement at COP16 affirmed its leadership in addressing issues of desertification, land degradation, and food insecurity. Through fostering collaborations, advancing scientific research, and empowering communities, ICBA is at the forefront of driving transformative change towards a sustainable, inclusive future.