Statement by Minister Bibeau on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

June 17, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement:

“The serious consequences of land degradation across the globe are now known—the resulting food insecurity, poverty, conflict and forced migration already affect 2 billion people. In the next few decades, desertification could create up to 135 million climate refugees.

“Like poverty, desertification affects women and girls disproportionately. In developing countries, women depend more on the Earth’s resources than men do to meet their families’ food, water and energy needs. And, although they produce 60% to 80% of the food, they do not have equal access to the land ownership, technology and financing that would enable them to be more climate resilient.

“Canada re-committed to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification last year, reiterating its support for this essential element of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This year, Canada contributed by acting as a driving force behind the adoption of the Gender Action Plan, which aims to enable women to fully participate in the implementation of the Convention. We must make sure their needs, perspectives and knowledge are taken into account to give our actions new momentum. ”

Contacts

Justine Lesage
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
justine.lesage@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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