CAIRO: On Arab Environment Day the Arab League has warned about the negative effects of natural resource depletion and land degradation on food security and stability in the region. Around 90 percent of Arab countries’ land is dry or extremely dry, making it prone to desertification.
Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al Maliki, Assistant Secretary-General at the Arab League, stressed the need for regional cooperation to tackle these challenges. He emphasized following environmental treaties and promoting sustainable development.
During the Arab Environment Day celebration in Cairo, with the theme “Land Restoration for Enhanced Resilience,” experts discussed efforts to combat desertification, drought, and adopt sustainable practices.
Al Maliki highlighted that the Arab Council of Ministers for Environmental Affairs has launched programmes to meet the goals of the Arab Declaration on Environment and Development. These include tackling desertification, reducing industrial pollution, and promoting a green economy. The Arab Environment Day on October 14 will feature events to raise awareness of key environmental issues.
Also read: Sharjah Safari Run kicks off with 360 enthusiastic participants
The Arab League has also partnered with China to create the China-Arab International Research Centre for Drought, Desertification, and Land Degradation, aimed at improving land management in the region. The 35th meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss more strategies for addressing environmental challenges.
