Globally, around 15% of the total land is degraded. For The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, this number is close to 50%. Land degradation, in general, is the loss of physical, biological and economic productivity of land due to anthropogenic factors; desertification is its subset as it is relevant specifically to the arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas.
Land degradation is a growing global crisis, undermining food security, biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. Driven by deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, overgrazing and climate change, it affects over 3.2 billion people worldwide. The problem is especially severe in regions with fragile environments and limited water resources—conditions that define much of the Middle East.
Much of the area experiences arid to semi-arid climates, characterized by low rainfall, high evaporation rates, and frequent droughts. These harsh conditions make natural ecosystems fragile and highly sensitive to change. Beyond human use, MENA’s diverse ecosystems—ranging from desert flora to Mediterranean forests—support unique biodiversity adapted to extreme environments. However, the region’s ecological balance is under threat.
Causes of Land Degradation
Among the most pressing causes of land degradation are climatic stressors, unsustainable land use practices, rapid urban expansion and conflict-related disruption.
Climatic Stressors
Among climate stressors, water scarcity is the most prominent manifestation. As much as 83% of the population of Middle East is exposed to extremely high water stress and among the most water stressed countries in the world are Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Qatar, all being from this region. This situation is further exacerbated by climate change. Prolonged droughts are becoming more frequent and intense as in Iran, Syria and Iraq.
Rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall accelerate desertification, reducing the productivity of land and increasing the risk of dust storms and soil erosion. These changes weaken the resilience of both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems, locking communities into a cycle of environmental decline.
Agricultural Practices
Unsustainable agricultural practices further worsen land degradation. With less than 5% of the land suitable for cultivation, the MENA region is especially vulnerable to soil erosion, salinization and desertification. However, this land is required to cater to food security requirements and economic growth of this region; livestock forms an important component for both. Fodder requirement for the livestock have led to overgrazing, a major driver of land degradation in this region. It strips vegetation cover, exposing soil to wind and water erosion. In irrigated areas, poor water management leads to salinization, where salt builds up in the soil and reduces fertility.
Another identified manifestation, along with overgrazing has been the excessive use of agricultural chemicals. This affects the biological health of soil as well can lead to salinization and acidification – hence, reducing land productivity.
Urban Development
Urbanization and industrial expansion also take a heavy toll. The urban population in this region has increased from 46% in 1975 to 66% in 2023. As cities grow, arable land is paved over or repurposed for construction, leading to soil sealing and permanent loss of productive land.
Mining of minerals in like gold, silver, copper and gypsum and marble quarrying is an important regional economic activity and countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE have plans of expansion of this sector. Further, other industrial activities including that related to oil and gas extraction disturb the soil, disrupt habitats, generate waste and release pollutants, further degrading ecosystems.
Wars and Conflicts
Conflict and displacement are uniquely severe drivers of degradation in the region. Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen are in civil war; around 15 million people have been displaced and taken refuge in economically strapped countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Djibouti and Tunisia. Wars and civil unrest damage infrastructure such as irrigation systems and water networks, rendering agricultural land unusable.
Large-scale displacement forces people into fragile environments where they rely heavily on limited natural resources for survival, often accelerating land degradation through overuse and deforestation. Abandoned farmlands, meanwhile, quickly deteriorate without proper care.
Political Upheavals
Political instability is evident in countries like Syria, Iraq, Yemen and now Palestine that have been conflict zones over prolonged periods, resulting in lack of policies or implementation of makeshift policies, both contributing to land degradation. Disruption of regional land restoration collaboration during such periods exacerbates the situation. Lebanon has been reeling under political leadership vacuum and severe economic crisis since 2019. Land degradation is worsened due to weakened environmental governance and enforcement.
Together, these factors create a multifaceted challenge that demands urgent and coordinated action to prevent long-term ecological collapse.
Consequence of Land Degradation
Food and water security
Food and water security are among the most immediate concerns. As land becomes less fertile due to erosion, salinization and desertification, agricultural productivity drops. Crops yield less, and grazing lands can no longer support livestock, threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on farming and herding. At the same time, water scarcity intensifies.
Degraded land holds less moisture, and damaged irrigation systems from overuse or conflict waste already limited water supplies. The result is a shrinking capacity to produce food and a growing dependence on food imports.
Economic Implications
Economic costs are significant, especially for rural communities. Land degradation undermines traditional livelihoods, leading to falling incomes, higher food prices, and economic instability. As domestic food production declines, governments are forced to increase imports, straining national budgets. In areas where agriculture once sustained local economies, poverty deepens and economic opportunities shrink.
Loss of Biodiversity
Biodiversity loss is another major impact. As natural habitats are cleared or degraded, plant and animal species face increased pressure. Fragmented ecosystems can no longer support native species, leading to population declines and extinctions. The loss of biodiversity not only harms the environment but also reduces ecosystem services such as pollination and soil fertility.
Human Displacement
Human displacement and social stress are becoming more common as degraded land can no longer support local populations. Families are forced to migrate—often to urban centres—adding pressure to already stretched infrastructure and services. This movement can fuel land disputes, exacerbate social tensions and increase the risk of conflict. In rural areas, the breakdown of traditional ways of life contributes to poverty, unemployment and a loss of cultural identity. Altogether, the impacts of land degradation are deeply interconnected, threatening both ecological balance and human well-being across the region.
Regional Response to Land Degradation
Several significant initiatives across the MENA region are addressing land degradation and promoting restoration. These efforts span national, regional and international levels:
Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, afforestation is one of the three targets as the country aims to plant 10 billion trees in the coming decades.100+ million trees and shrubs have been planted since 2021.
UNDP is implementing land restoration projects in several Arab countries like Lebanon, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, and Syria funded by several international governments and agencies.
Lebanon has updated its national strategy for forest fire risk reduction including restoration and recovery planning post the devastating wildfires of 2019.
Among the significant regional initiatives is the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI). Launched in 2021, the MGI backed by commitment from 20 countries aims to plant 50 billion trees across the region, equivalent to and rehabilitation of 200 million hectares of degraded land. It aligns with global frameworks like the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the G20 Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Terrestrial Habitats. The initiative emphasizes science-based decision-making and regional collaboration.
The sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in December 2024 was a critical milestone in the land restoration journey of this region.
Challenges and Way Forward
Efforts to combat land degradation in the Middle East and North Africa face several persistent challenges. Institutional limitations—including weak environmental governance, fragmented policies, and lack of enforcement—hinder effective land management. Funding gaps further restrict progress, with many countries struggling to finance long-term restoration and sustainability initiatives. Political instability and conflict in parts of the region disrupt planning, damage infrastructure, and displace communities, making consistent land management nearly impossible.
To move forward, countries must adopt integrated land management approaches that align environmental protection with agricultural, urban, and water policies. Strategies must be climate-resilient, addressing both current degradation and future risks from rising temperatures and extreme weather. This includes investing in sustainable agriculture, water-efficient technologies, and ecosystem restoration.
Success also depends on embedding land restoration within broader sustainable development goals—ensuring that efforts support economic growth, social equity, and environmental health.
Lastly, stronger cross-border cooperation is critical. Land degradation often spans national boundaries, and collaborative efforts—such as shared monitoring systems, joint projects, and knowledge exchange—can amplify impact.
A unified regional response, supported by global partners, is essential to building lasting resilience against land degradation in the MENA region.
