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Developing countries constantly face the destabilizing effects of climate change, with women and children facing disproportionate challenges. Collaboration and partnerships between governments, global institutions, non-governmental and local organizations, as well as the private sector are key to moving forward on climate action.

Canada is committed to these efforts to empower the most at-risk communities to better adapt and mitigate the harmful impacts of a changing climate.

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced Canada’s pledge of $228.79 million (for fiscal years 2018–2019 through 2022–2023) to the seventh replenishment of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Canada, through the GEF, works with partners to tackle global environmental issues and to support sustainable development, including poverty reduction and gender equality. The GEF is the single-largest source of funding and a catalyst for action on the environment. It funds programs that have brought sustainable land management, benefiting smallholder farmers; provided biodiversity protection and planning for productive terrains and water bodies; and have protected river and lake basins, groundwater basins, and large marine ecosystems.

More specifically, since the GEF was established, the initiatives it funded have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 2,700 megatons; introduced more than 50 climate-friendly technologies, leading to energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and sustainable urban transport; brought 103 million hectares of land under sustainable land management; and protected more than 50 water basins and 23 of the planet’s 64 large marine ecosystems. The GEF has also prioritized a stronger integration of gender equality and enhanced an engagement with the private sector to help ensure long-term project sustainability. This approach directly aligns with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, which emphasizes the importance of environmental and climate action to reduce extreme poverty, advance gender equality and empower women and girls.

“Canada is pleased to be a steadfast supporter of the Global Environment Facility and to work with the global community to tackle climate change, particularly through our efforts to empower women and girls. Sustainable development cannot be achieved unless women have access to resources and services and can equally participate in decision making on climate action,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie.

The GEF is a partnership for international cooperation that involves 183 countries working together with international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector to address global environmental issues.

Canada has been a strong supporter of the GEF since its creation in 1991 and remains its sixth-largest donor.

Original source: GA Canada
Published on 30th June 2018