En Aawa Foundation to Join Global Efforts Against Desertification at COP16 in Riyadh

Nigeria is set to make its mark at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Organizations focused on tackling desertification and promoting environmental sustainability will participate in the conference.

Among these efforts are grassroots initiatives in Northeast Nigeria, where significant strides are being made to combat the twin challenges of desertification and deforestation.

In 2024 alone, over 2,000 trees were planted across Nigeria by the En Aawa Trees Foundation as part of a broader campaign to restore degraded landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of climate change.

These initiatives align closely with global priorities such as the UNCCD’s Great Green Wall Initiative, which seeks to restore Africa’s Sahel region by improving land use and resilience to climate change.

The region’s contributions to this global effort signifies the importance of community involvement and strategic planning in addressing the far-reaching impacts of land degradation.

Local Actions with Global Significance

One of the key messages of COP16 will be the value of integrating local knowledge into global frameworks.

Across Northeast Nigeria, stakeholders like the En Aawa Trees Foundation have launched community-driven programs, addressing environmental challenges while fostering social and economic sustainability.

These efforts reflect the UNCCD’s emphasis on practical, inclusive solutions that engage local stakeholders.

UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw has emphasized that combating desertification requires both innovation and collaboration.

Initiatives in Nigeria by such foundations exemplify this approach by leveraging grassroots support and partnerships with government agencies to create lasting impact.

A Step Toward a Sustainable Future

With COP16 serving as a global platform, Nigeria’s environmental advocates, including the En Aawa foundation will have an opportunity to share insights, discuss scaling successful projects, and contribute to shaping policies that address desertification worldwide.

The conference presents a pivotal moment for advancing sustainable practices, not only in the Sahel region but across the globe.