AIPH recently participated in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Held in December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the conference focused on land and drought resilience, concentrating on people, equity, and action. One local project includes the Riyadh Action Agenda, a framework prioritising innovation, equity, and cross-sector collaboration to combat desertification, reduce drought impacts, and promote sustainable land management.
Representing AIPH, Senior International Relations Manager Treve Evans attended COP16 to connect with international policymakers, environmental leaders, and advocates. The event provided an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas and highlighting horticulture’s critical role in creating sustainable, climate-resilient solutions and addressing environmental challenges.
AIPH’s commitment to championing green urban development aligns strongly with the goals of the Riyadh Action Agenda. A notable example of such alignment is the Green Riyadh Programme, an initiative recognised as a Finalist in the Living Green for Water category of the AIPH World Green City Awards 2024. This programme exemplifies how innovative horticultural practices can combat desertification, enhance biodiversity, and improve water security, with the added benefit of enriching urban environments. By supporting the growth of 7.5 million trees through an extensive irrigation network, the Green Riyadh Programme demonstrates the transformative potential of horticulture on a large scale.
Through its involvement in COP16 and initiatives like the World Green City Awards, AIPH continues to build partnerships, advocate for the horticultural sector, and inspire cities worldwide to adopt sustainable practices. These efforts reaffirm AIPH’s role as the world’s champion for the power of plants, empowering growers of ornamental plants, trees, and other horticultural products to create greener, more sustainable communities.
