Ministry of Tourism Hosts Panel on Sustainable Tourism, Land Restoration at UNCCD COP16

The Ministry of Tourism convened a high-level panel during the People’s Day at the UNCCD COP16. The event, titled “sustainable tourism and land restoration for people and planet”, brought together leaders from government, industry, international organizations, academia, and civil society to discuss the vital role of sustainable tourism in addressing global challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and community resilience, according to a press release from the ministry.
 The panel, held as part of COP16’s thematic Land Day, delved into how sustainable tourism can support land restoration through protecting natural habitats, fostering reforestation, funding conservation efforts, and empowering communities.
 Ministry of Tourism Deputy Minister of Strategic Planning and Monitoring Ageel Alshaibani underscored Saudi Arabia’s leadership in integrating sustainability into tourism: "In Saudi Arabia, we recognize the critical role that the travel and tourism sector plays in the economic and environmental sectors. We understand the industry’s vulnerabilities in the face of climate change, along with its vast potential to drive sustainable development worldwide. We are committed to transforming tourism practices to create lasting positive impacts, both economically and environmentally."
 According to the release, discussed at the panel was the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC), a multi-country, multi-stakeholder platform based in Riyadh, which aims to spearhead, expedite, and monitor the travel and tourism sector's shift toward sustainable practices, acting as a global hub for collaboration and innovation in sustainability.
 Moderated by Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, former UNFCCC Executive Secretary and Mexican minister of foreign affairs, the panel gathered experts to discuss challenges, opportunities, and best practices in promoting sustainable tourism and land restoration. Among the panelists, Princess Mashael bint Saud Al Shalan and Princess Noura bint Turki, co-founders of AEON Collective, emphasized their organization’s efforts in addressing desertification and enhancing resilience in the region.
 "As the first-ever UNCCD COP held in the Middle East and North Africa region, and the largest UN land conference to date, COP16 underscores Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in advancing the sustainable tourism agenda. The Kingdom’s integrated approach to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation reflects its Vision 2030, which positions tourism as a key driver of economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability," the release said.
 This event reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s leadership in shaping a global sustainable tourism agenda and fostering innovative, long-term solutions for land restoration, community resilience, and ecosystem conservation.