Saudi Arabia Unveils Young Researchers Award to Combat Land Degradation

Saudi Arabia has launched the Young Researchers Award with a $70,000 pool to foster innovation in tackling land degradation, drought, and desertification. Open to researchers up to age 35 globally, it offers seven categories, each with a $10,000 prize. Awards will be announced at UNCCD COP16, Riyadh, aiming for multilateral action.

In a bold move to counter land degradation, the Saudi Arabian government has introduced the Young Researchers Award as a part of its UNCCD COP16 Presidency. This initiative, announced at the COP16 Science Pavilion, boasts a prize pool of $70,000 and targets innovative solutions to environmental challenges like drought and desertification.

The competition, open to global researchers up to the age of 35, will reward a total of seven winners with $10,000 each. Categories cover crucial fields such as sustainable land management and climate adaptation. The awards highlight Saudi Arabia's focus on global collaboration in addressing land-related crises.

These distinctions will be awarded during the UNCCD COP16 event in Riyadh. Winners, who will be mentored by experts, will also receive travel and accommodation benefits. Saudi Arabia is leveraging its presidency to stimulate international dialogue on these pressing issues, impacting billions.

(With inputs from agencies.)