As we celebrate the International Day of Forests on 21 March, it is crucial to recognise the importance of forests, particularly in arid regions such as the Near East and North Africa (NENA). As the region's population grows, the demand on land and water intensifies, making initiatives related to greening agriculture, water scarcity and climate action crucial priorities for the FAO. So what are the key initiatives shaping this agenda?

Initiatives pionnières pour une foresterie durable dans les zones arides

A few weeks ago, the 37th session of the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East and North Africa (NENA), held in Amman, Jordan, highlighted the pivotal role of the FAO in greening agriculture. Discussions highlighted the need to improve the sustainability of agriculture, urging the FAO to help countries develop climate-resilient practices, integrate bio-economy measures and strengthen connections between agriculture and forests to enhance the resilience of ecosystems and communities.

FAO is leading efforts against threats such as the red palm weevil (RPC) in the NENA region, through events such as the Sixth International Date Palm Conference in Abu Dhabi in 2018. These events have facilitated the development of red palm weevil management frameworks and regional trust funds. The creation of the OASIS (Original Agroecological Survey Indicator System) centre of excellence aims to restore palm trees and turn them into a source of income for the most vulnerable communities living around oases.

On Egypt's Red Sea coast, mangroves, essential for soil stabilisation and protection against erosion, face threats from construction, oil spills and overgrazing. Initiatives such as the two-year government project aim to rehabilitate mangroves and mitigate the effects of climate change, highlighting their importance for biodiversity and soil carbon sequestration.

Despite significant progress, challenges remain, as illustrated by the invasion of the cochineal cactus in the NENA region. The recent FAO technical meeting in Marrakech highlighted collaborative efforts to combat this pest, reaffirming its commitment to supporting regional capacities in forest health, pest management and sustainable agriculture.

Unleashing innovation to preserve forests

The theme of this year's International Forest Day, "Forests and Innovation", highlights the role of technology in protecting the environment. Innovations such as the FAO/Google Ground application and drone and satellite forest monitoring are driving transformative change in natural resource management.

In FAO Regional Priority 3 on greening agriculture, water scarcity and climate action, innovation goes beyond technological progress. Nature-based solutions, such as silvopastoralism, are essential for food security and mitigating desertification. The FAO emphasises the synergy between agriculture and forestry to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The forthcoming launch of the Regional Knowledge Centre for Integrated Biodiversity Resilience and Agroforestry Food Systems (KHIBRA) will support agroforestry activities.

Cross-cutting projects to combat desertification, such as the Green Dam in Algeria and the Green Wall in Mauritania, illustrate holistic efforts to restore biodiversity. Major impacts are also expected from the "Green Middle East" initiative, launched by Saudi Arabia. Member countries have identified priorities such as governance, capacity building and improving the business environment for biodiversity.

Social innovations such as the FAO's MA&D approach, implemented in certain rural areas of Tunisia and Morocco, enable local communities to develop sustainable income-generating businesses while conserving tree and forest resources.

Combating drought and desertification

Drought is a major concern in the Near East, attracting worldwide attention following the Glasgow Climate Pact and the UNCCD COP15. The FAO Regional Office's flagship publication, The State of the World's Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture (SOLAW), highlights the high level of water stress and land degradation in the region.

The Water Scarcity Initiative (WSI), led by FAO RNE and its partners, is tackling the region's acute water scarcity problems. As demand increases due to population growth and urbanisation, and supplies dwindle due to declining rainfall and inefficient water use, the WSI focuses on strategic planning, strengthened governance and sectoral coordination for water and food security. Collaboration and monitoring tools are essential to mitigate the factors exacerbating water scarcity and promote sustainable water and food security in the region.

Shaping a sustainable future: FAO's influence and opportunities at COP16

The upcoming 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will bring together stakeholders to address land degradation, drought resilience and sustainable land management, providing a unique opportunity to make progress. It is essential to build the capacity of countries to adopt ecosystem-based approaches as highlighted by the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration. Multi-stakeholder platforms such as FAO's Hand in Hand geospatial platform, as well as others such as AQUASTAT and FAOSTAT, foster international and regional collaboration for sustainable agriculture, contributing significantly to a greener and more sustainable future.

United Nations Decade for Ecosystem Restoration

The recognition of the Mediterranean region as a UN flagship for ecosystem restoration underlines the pivotal role of the FAO in ecosystem restoration through its Mediterranean Forestry Committee - Silva Mediterranea. These initiatives combat desertification, deforestation and biodiversity erosion, serving as models for global restoration efforts under the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration.

Engaging young people and local communities is essential for a greener future. By empowering these groups, we can harness diverse perspectives and innovative ideas to tackle the complex challenges of land degradation, drought resilience and sustainable land management. Collective action and collaboration across sectors is key to ensuring sustainability for future generations.

Source : FAO