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Saudi Arabia to Launch First Green Zone to Present Solutions for Combating Desertification

A citizen working in an agricultural area in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A citizen working in an agricultural area in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia to Launch First Green Zone to Present Solutions for Combating Desertification

A citizen working in an agricultural area in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A citizen working in an agricultural area in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has become the first country to establish a “green zone” at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which will be held in Riyadh in early December.
This green zone will feature the participation of numerous organizations dedicated to combating desertification and will serve as the largest area for showcasing technological and innovative solutions to prevent land degradation.
According to available information, the Saudi government is involving the private sector in various matters through this zone, including sustainable mining, land restoration, drought, water management, sandstorms, and the roles of regional and international governmental and private sectors. Other focus areas include sustainable textile production, monitoring, reporting, and local content and initiatives specific to the Kingdom.
This green zone, which spans around 130,000 square meters, will bring together companies, NGOs, scientists, experts, and youth from all over the world to envision a sustainable future for the planet. Saudi Arabia aims to engage 197 countries, with more than 200,000 expected visitors and 150 participating organizations.
Saudi Arabia is hosting COP 16 to promote cooperation among the 197 countries that have signed the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, mobilizing resources to find effective solutions for rehabilitating millions of hectares of degraded land and addressing drought. The aim is to support decision-makers and encourage the role of the private sector and civil society organizations in environmental protection and natural resource preservation.
COP 16 is the largest UN conference dedicated to land protection and combating desertification, with a crucial focus on the global mission to restore degraded land.
During a dialogue session held as part of an event organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, both Saudi Arabia and the UN emphasized the need for international cooperation to halt global land degradation and ensure sustainable living on Earth.
According to the ministry, 99% of the world’s food comes from the land, and vegetation helps collect around 75% of the planet’s freshwater. Forests and grasslands host approximately 90% of global biodiversity.
International reports estimate that around 3 billion people worldwide are affected by land degradation, with economic losses amounting to approximately $6 trillion. According to data from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40% of the world’s land is degraded, affecting half of the global population. The goal of restoring 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 is seen as a critical global priority.

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The Future of Revenues in Syria: Challenges and Opportunities for the Interim Government

A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
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The Future of Revenues in Syria: Challenges and Opportunities for the Interim Government

A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)

Syria faces significant challenges as discussions intensify about the post-Bashar al-Assad era, particularly in securing the necessary revenues for the Syrian interim government to meet the country’s needs and ensure its sustainability. The widespread destruction of the economy and infrastructure poses a dual challenge: rebuilding the nation while stimulating economic activity and ensuring sufficient financial resources for governance.

Currently, the interim government relies heavily on international and regional support during the transitional phase. Donor countries are expected to provide financial and technical assistance to help rebuild institutions and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.

However, as the country transitions, external support alone will not suffice. The government must identify sustainable revenue sources, such as managing natural resources, imposing taxes, and encouraging foreign investments.

Opportunities from the Syrian Diaspora

The Syrian diaspora is seen as a significant economic resource, contributing through remittances or involvement in reconstruction projects. However, realizing these opportunities requires the establishment of strong, transparent institutions, effective resource management, and a clear strategic plan to rebuild trust with both local and international communities.

Securing revenues for the interim government is not merely a financial challenge but also a test of its ability to lead Syria toward stability and prosperity.

Securing Economic Resources

Nasser Zuhair, head of the Economic and Diplomatic Affairs Unit at the European Policy Organization, stated that the interim government, currently led by Mohammed al-Bashir, may replicate its revenue-generating models from Idlib. Resources in Idlib were drawn from temporary measures that are insufficient for sustaining a national economy like Syria’s.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Zuhair explained that these resources included taxation, fuel trade with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)-controlled areas, international aid for displaced persons in Idlib, remittances from the Syrian diaspora, and cross-border trade facilitated by Turkiye.

“The interim government believes that sanctions relief is a matter of months, after which it can begin to establish a sustainable economy. For now, it will rely on the same resources and strategies used in Idlib and other controlled areas,” Zuhair added.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the former regime’s reliance on illicit revenues, such as drug trafficking and Captagon production—estimated to account for 25% of government revenues—the interim government has several potential avenues for generating revenue.

International Aid

Zuhair emphasized that cross-border humanitarian aid indirectly supports local economies. “The current government understands that international and regional aid will be substantial in the coming period, particularly for refugee repatriation and infrastructure development,” he noted.

He added that efforts to secure funding from the Brussels Conference, which allocates about $7 billion annually to support Syria, will be critical. Strengthening ties with regional and European countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Germany, and the UK, is also a priority. However, securing such aid depends on establishing a political framework where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) does not dominate governance.

He further noted that international and regional support will likely remain a key revenue source for the interim government, including humanitarian and developmental aid from organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Taxes and Tariffs

Zuhair highlighted taxes and tariffs as essential components of the government’s revenue strategy. This includes taxing local economic activities, customs duties on cross-border trade, and fair taxes on merchants and industrialists in major cities like Damascus and Aleppo.

“The government can also impose income, corporate, and property taxes while improving border management to maximize revenue from customs and tariffs,” he added.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Syria’s vast and fertile agricultural lands present an opportunity for revenue generation, Zuhair underlined, explaining that taxes on agricultural products could contribute to state income. However, this sector faces logistical challenges and high production costs. By directing the agricultural sector toward self-sufficiency, the government could reduce dependence on imports and create surplus revenue, he remarked.

Additionally, managing natural resources such as oil and gas could provide a significant revenue stream if the government gains control over resource-rich areas like northeastern Syria, the official noted.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction presents another potential revenue source. International companies could be encouraged to invest in rebuilding efforts in exchange for fees or taxes. Public-private partnerships with local and foreign firms in sectors such as infrastructure and housing could also generate significant funds.

Remittances from the Diaspora

Zuhair stressed the importance of remittances from Syrians abroad, estimating that these transfers could reach $2 billion annually by 2025. Encouraging the diaspora to send funds to support family members and rebuild properties will be a key priority for the government.

Domestic Investments

The interim government has shown its ability to attract domestic investments in real estate, industry, commerce, and agriculture, despite international sanctions. According to Zuhair, leveraging Türkiye as an international gateway, the government could expand this model across Syria, taking advantage of the challenging economic conditions left by the previous regime to draw reasonable investments in its first year.

Tourism and Small Businesses

Revitalizing the tourism sector could directly contribute to revenue, he added, noting that restoring historical and cultural sites, once security and stability are achieved, will attract visitors and generate income.

In addition, encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises will help revive the economy and create jobs, Zuhair emphasized, pointing that supporting manufacturing industries could provide a sustainable revenue stream.