How are Canadian programs helping to reverse the effects of land degradation and promote sustainable farming in semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas?

Climate change is causing unusual weather patterns which is resulting in land degradation and desertification, affecting people already in situations of poverty and vulnerability, especially women and Indigenous people. Canada will contribute up to $55 million to the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Fund, an investment fund initiated by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This investment is part of Canada’s $2.65 billion climate finance commitment. Canada’s contribution, once it is finalized, will help to catalyze additional private sector investments in the LDN Fund so it can achieve its mission of restoring degraded land and reducing or avoiding greenhouse gas emissions. The LDN Fund is also crucial to ensuring that COVID-19 economic recovery efforts support green jobs and sustainable businesses for people who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods.