King Khalid University affirms its leading role in addressing global environmental issues through its participation in the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16). The university's participation in the blue zone involved organizing a prominent scientific event titled "Managing Forest Fires in Drylands: Key Strategies for Mitigating Land Degradation and Combating Desertification," in collaboration with Monash University, Australia, and with the participation of a select group of international experts and researchers.

The event focused on the environmental challenges posed by forest fires in drylands, which are among the most significant challenges in combating desertification and preserving land. Researchers and experts from King Khalid University presented the results of in-depth scientific studies on the impact of forest fires on the environment and soil, as well as the resulting losses in biodiversity and land degradation.

They also discussed innovative strategies for managing this phenomenon, including satellite data monitoring, analysis techniques, and modern applications that enable rapid response to fires and minimize their damage. Successful experiences from various regions around the world were also highlighted as examples of practical solutions that can be applied in Saudi Arabia and other drylands.

The collaboration between King Khalid University and Monash University formed a cornerstone of this event, as joint research papers were presented that addressed the environmental impacts of forest fires and ways to combat them. The research focused on the importance of strengthening cooperation among academic institutions to find comprehensive and sustainable solutions to desertification problems.

During the session, Dr. Rahma Nasser Al-Qathanin, Director of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Center for Environmental Research and Sustainability of Natural Resources at King Khalid University, emphasized the importance of combating desertification and forest fires, noting that these challenges not only threaten natural resources but also extend their impacts to local communities. She added, "Strengthening international cooperation and joint work between universities and research institutions is vital for developing innovative and effective strategies in this field."

The event discussed a set of future directions for combating desertification, including promoting environmental education and developing sustainable technologies for managing drylands. In addition to highlighting the importance of using renewable energy and smart water technologies to reduce the negative impacts of human activities on the environment. Participants also discussed the importance of improving cooperation between government, academic, and civil society sectors to develop long-term plans for combating desertification and protecting natural resources. The discussions emphasized the need to build strategic partnerships to enhance environmental sustainability.

Participants praised the pivotal role played by King Khalid University in the field of scientific research and environmental innovation, and commended the university's ongoing initiatives to raise environmental awareness and provide practical solutions to the environmental challenges facing the Kingdom and the world.

This event represents an exceptional step in enhancing international cooperation, highlighting the importance of joint scientific research in addressing global environmental challenges, and affirming the university's role in combating desertification and protecting biodiversity at both the local and international levels.