Last month, ForestPaths partner from Teesside University Chidiebere Ofoegbu attended the sixteenth session of the Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This significant global event brought together policymakers, scientists, practitioners and stakeholders to address pressing issues related to land degradation, desertification and sustainable land management. At the pavilion of the United Kingdom’s Embassy in Riyadh, Mr. Ofoegbu curated and managed an exhibition showcasing key research outputs from ForestPaths. This showcase aligned seamlessly with the overarching themes of COP16 in light of the project’s emphasis on sustainable forest landscape management, climate adaptation and biodiversity resilience.
The exhibition highlighted findings of ForestPaths, including innovative research on forest owner typologies and behaviour. Simulations of stakeholder conduct illustrated the potential effects of management styles on critical ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, while also exploring pathways to enhance the climate resilience of forested landscapes. This interactive presentation engaged policymakers, academics and practitioners, fostering meaningful discussions on translating research into actionable solutions. A key outcome of the exhibition was the opportunity to interact with entrepreneurs invested in multifunctional forestry and sustainable landscape management. These dialogues underscored the growing interest from private sector stakeholders in integrating science-based approaches into their business models, bridging the gap between research and practical application.
Moreover, COP16 provided a unique platform to explore collaborative opportunities with universities in Saudi Arabia. Engaging with representatives from several academic institutions, Mr. Ofoegbu identified shared interests in advancing sustainable forestry and ecosystem restoration in arid and semi-arid regions. These preliminary discussions set the stage for potential future partnerships, particularly in areas such as adaptive forest management, biodiversity monitoring and climate-smart land use strategies.
Overall, the attendance at the summit provided a valuable opportunity to disseminate new research from the ForestPaths project, foster international collaborations and connect with diverse stakeholders committed to sustainable land management. The experience reaffirmed the importance of integrating scientific research with policy and practice to combat desertification and promote resilient ecosystems worldwide.
