Experts and environmentalists are attending the forum, which is being held under the auspices of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

UNCCD Executive Secretary Yasmine Fouad told reporters of the urgency of taking action against soil degradation, which is gaining round at an alarming rate across the planet.

Fouad, who was a former Egyptian Environment Minister, pointed out that investing in sustainable land management, restoration, and nature-based solutions is not only an environmental necessity but also an imperative for development and a strategic investment in stability, prosperity, and peace.

According to the agenda, the meeting aims to measure progress and identify shortcomings to accelerate solutions that will advance the protection of terrestrial resources.

jdt/iff/mem/ga