Saudi Arabia Launches Landmark Young Researchers Awards at the UNCCD COP16 Science Pavillion

$70,000Prize fund will reward innovation and research that addresses challenges of land degradation, desertification and drought

Submissions will close onNovember 22^ndwith winners announced in special UNCCDCOP16Ceremony

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia,Nov. 13, 2024/PRNewswire/ -- As part ofSaudi Arabia'sincoming UNCCDCOP16Presidency, the Kingdom has launched the Young Researchers Award at theCOP16Science Pavillion. The prestigious competition, with a total prize pool of$70,000, aims to accelerate groundbreaking research and innovative solutions addressing land degradation, drought and desertification and is open to students and young researchers from across the world.

A total of seven awards of$10,000each will be given to early-career researchers (up to age 35) who can demonstrate impactful contributions to key areas including sustainable land management, drought resilience, and land restoration. The seven award categories are land restoration, sustainable agri-food systems, equitable land governance, community and youth engagement, science, technology and innovation, resilience and climate adaptation, and finance and sustainable land investments.

The awards will be presented at a high-profile event during UNCCDCOP16inRiyadh. Nominees will be flown toSaudi Arabiaand provided five days of accommodation. Winners will also be given a unique opportunity to be mentored by leading experts.

"Land degradation, drought and desertification are leading causes of many of the issues impacting people around the world, be it food insecurity, water insecurity or forced migration.COP16inRiyadhis an opportunity to find urgent solutions, and help turn the tide on these global crises,"said Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Advisor to the UNCCDCOP16Presidency. 

The awards seek to accelerate research, innovation and technology that can help tackle land degradation, drought and desertification, and enhance global land restoration and drought resilience efforts.

The international competition encourages applicants to demonstrate innovative approaches, long-term sustainability and scalability, and focus on how their work can benefit theMiddle East. Submissions are open untilNovember 22^ndand will be evaluated by a dedicated scientific committee that includes leading experts in theKingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The awards come asSaudi Arabiaseeks to accelerate global action on desertification, land degradation, and drought, which affect 3.2 billion people worldwide. With 40% of land already degraded according to the UNCCD,Saudi Arabia'sincoming UNCCD Presidency is seeking to mobilize the international community atCOP16inRiyadhto deliver multilateral action on a range of pressing issues, including land restoration and drought resilience.

The awards are part of a packed agenda taking place at theCOP16Science Pavilion, a hub aimed at showcasing cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders. The Pavilion will be part of the first ever Green Zone at a UNCCD COP.

Researchers and innovators are encouraged to submit their work through the official award website athttps://www.unccdcop16.org/Scientific-Excellence-Awards

ABOUTCOP16RIYADH 

The UNCCDCOP16conference will take place fromDecember 2-13, 2024, next to Boulevard Riyadh City,Saudi Arabia. The conference, themed Our Land. Our Future, will mark the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD and aims to secure multilateral action on critical issues such as drought resilience, land tenure, and sand and dust storms.   

Journalists are invited to apply for accreditation via the UNCCD's Online Registration System (ORS).   

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SOURCE UNCCDCOP16