Noonu Atoll Participation in COP16 to Address Climate Challenges

We are taking part in the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2–13. This forum, under the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” is an opportunity for leaders and experts to discuss challenges such as land degradation, water scarcity, and ecosystem restoration.

Our islands face significant impacts from climate change. Rising sea temperatures have caused coral bleaching, which affects biodiversity and livelihoods. Coastal erosion and mangrove degradation threaten natural defenses and disrupt ecosystems. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of freshwater availability is a growing concern for the health and daily lives of our residents. COP16 provides a platform to share these challenges and contribute to finding practical solutions.

Areas of Focus

• Marine Biodiversity: Exploring methods to restore coral reefs and protect marine life.

• Coastal and Mangrove Conservation: Highlighting strategies to prevent coastal erosion and restore mangroves.

• Land Use Planning: Addressing land degradation through better planning and agricultural practices.

• Water Resource Management: Promoting integrated approaches to address water scarcity and flood risks.

Mayors’ Forum and World Economic Forum Roundtable

• 5 December: Participation in the Mayoral Roundtable organized by the World Economic Forum, which will provide a platform to exchange ideas and discuss strategies for addressing global challenges.

• 6 December: Engagement in the Mayors’ Forum, where global leaders will discuss practical solutions to enhance community resilience and sustainably manage natural resources.

Moving Forward

Our community is committed to balancing environmental stewardship with the well-being of residents. Current initiatives, like digital governance improvements, land-use planning, and climate-resilient infrastructure, reflect our efforts so far. Participating in COP16 allows us to continue this work by interacting with global partners and contributing our perspective to broader climate discussions.