#UNCCDCOP16 |The 16th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Conference of Parties (COP) has officially begun in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the Asian Pacific Annex Regional Preparatory meeting marking a key moment in the conference.

Fiji’s delegation, is led by Dr. Andrew Tukana, the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Waterways and includes Mr. Amena Banuve, Director of the Land Resources and Planning Division, and Mr. Solomoni Nagaunavou, Principal Research Officer (Land Use).

The conference brings together 197 country parties from around the globe to discuss and make decisions on essential issues like land restoration, combating desertification, addressing drought, and mobilizing financial resources for vulnerable communities.

This meeting is crucial for advancing global efforts to tackle land degradation and promote sustainable land management practices.