RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has outlined the latest developments and challenges facing the world in combating land degradation at a global summit in Rome.

A Saudi delegation led by the CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, Khaled Alabdulkader, took part in the scientific event organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

The delegation also highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts and readiness to host the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation, scheduled to be held in Riyadh in December, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The Saudi team included representatives from the National Center for Environmental Compliance; the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture; and several government bodies concerned with desertification; as well as the Kingdom’s permanent representative to the FAO, Mohammed Al-Ghamdi.

The delegation thanked the organization and the participating members for highlighting the importance of land restoration at the FAO headquarters and for the support it provides for COP16.

It also welcomed everyone to be part of the global change to combat land degradation by attending COP16 in Riyadh.

Other speakers highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to restore ecosystems, as well as its forest and dryland initiatives, which are part of its preparations to host COP16.

They also reviewed the Saudi and Middle East Green initiatives and their expected results in reducing land degradation, which has affected about 30 percent of the land area according to the latest international statistics.

Speakers pointed out the diversity of the Kingdom’s terrain and natural resources, which face many environmental challenges.

They explained that the Saudi Green Initiative operates based on long-term plans to address desertification, land degradation, and sand encroachment, adding that the Middle East Green Initiative will restore an area of 200 million hectares in 20 countries.

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity on Friday marked students’ completion of competition tests at the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad in Riyadh, in the presence of Secretary-General of Mawhiba Dr. Amal Al-Hazzaa, and several of the foundation’s officials.

The event, which brought together students and their supervisors, featured many popular activities which represented the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

Delegates witnessed the Saudi Ardah dance, while camels bearing howdahs awaited the contestants, symbolizing the journey they have taken during their participation in the International Chemistry Olympiad.

Taking part in the global event, which finishes at the end of this month, are 333 students supervised by 260 international specialists in the field of chemistry, from some 90 countries.

Diverse activities were organized in the main tent, which featured a falconry show and various handicrafts with wickerwork models on display.

Several squares and tents were set up to showcase the Kingdom’s rich history through various displays, such as swords and tools used in the region through the centuries.

In addition, individual and modern games were organized, which allowed the students some recreation after five days of preparing for and taking the scientific and theoretical exams that make up an essential part of the competition.

Each international delegation consists of four talented high-school students and two mentors, one of whom is designated as the head of the delegation or chief mentor. The delegation also includes guests and scientific observers.

The Kingdom’s hosting of the event reflects the excellence of Saudi students in the international arena and enhances Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global destination in various scientific fields.

The event was organized by Mawhiba in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education and King Saud University, and with sponsorship from the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation.