Due to modern technological advancements, innovative solutions are emerging to combat and monitor desertification with greater precision and efficiency. Remote sensing technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and geographic information systems (GIS) enable the identification of affected areas and continuous monitoring of land changes, paving the way for the development of sustainable strategies to rehabilitate degraded lands. Additionally, modern agricultural techniques, such as hydroponics, drought-resistant plants, and strategic afforestation, play a crucial role in improving soil fertility and enhancing its water retention capacity. By adopting these technologies, desertification can be mitigated, ecological balance in vulnerable regions can be preserved, and quality of life for current and future generations in the Arab world can be improved.

In this context, the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED) organized a side event during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event, titled “Modern Technologies for Monitoring and Combating Desertification,” was organized in collaboration with Marooj, a Saudi non-governmental organization focused on vegetation development. The event showcased the latest technologies for monitoring and combating desertification to develop effective strategies supporting the protection and restoration of degraded lands in the Arab world. It also facilitated discussions on enhancing collaboration between experts and decision-makers to adopt innovative technologies that help curb desertification and promote natural resource sustainability.

RAED’s side event emphasized the importance of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance and their role in managing natural resources. It highlighted cutting-edge technologies and methodologies for early wetland monitoring and desertification control, focusing on integrating technology with capacity-building efforts for effective desertification management. Furthermore, the event explored ways to enhance the engagement of diverse stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, and communities, in ecosystem management.