Soil forms the very foundation of life on Earth, yet its degradation due to desertification and drought has emerged as a pressing global environmental and humanitarian challenge. In response to this crisis, the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) commenced on December 9 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This pivotal event aims to foster international collaboration to rehabilitate degraded lands and mitigate the severe impacts of drought on ecosystems and livelihoods.

Morocco’s Distinguished Participation

Morocco made a significant mark at COP16, represented by a high-level delegation led by the Director General of the National Agency for Water and Forests. This participation aligns seamlessly with the visionary approach of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who champions innovative and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Among Morocco’s hallmark strategies are the ambitious “Green Generation” strategy and the “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030” program, which prioritize the protection of natural resources and fortify climate resilience, especially in vulnerable regions.

Dr. Rachid Moussadek’s Insights

During the conference, Dr. Rachid Moussadek, a prominent researcher at the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), shed light on the urgent threats posed by desertification and drought. He emphasized that these phenomena jeopardize soil quality and compromise the sustainability of agricultural, forestry, and pastoral systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.

Dr. Moussadek explained that factors such as overexploitation of land, climate change, and water scarcity are accelerating soil fertility loss. This, in turn, threatens food security and disrupts the livelihoods of rural communities.

Morocco’s Pioneering Initiatives

Dr. Moussadek, along side Dr. Mahyou Hamid, presented ground breaking research findings on monitoring Morocco’s agricultural and rangeland systems. These efforts are part of a broader national commitment to sustainable land management and include the following initiatives:

• Conservation Agriculture Practices: Focused on preserving soil health while boosting productivity through reduced tillage and improved crop rotation.

• Agroforestry Systems: Integrating agriculture with forestry to enhance biodiversity, restore soil fertility, and create sustainable livelihoods.

• Drought Monitoring Systems: Utilizing advanced geospatial and informational tools to assess and mitigate drought impacts.

• Soil Information Systems: Establishing digital platforms supported by international collaborations, such as the “Soil4Med” project with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to optimize soil management and decision-making.

Source : almouhitalfilahi