Climate change and biodiversity loss know no borders. Canada recognizes that urgent action is needed to support people living in regions of the world that are the most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, reinforced Canada's commitment to climate adaptation, climate partnerships, and women and girls at the forefront of climate action by announcing $315 million in new funding for organizations in Canada to engage in climate action activities.
The new initiative, called "Partnering for Climate," represents a significant allocation of Canada's 5-year, $5.3-billion climate finance commitment made in 2021. The initiative aligns with the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), in particular the Environment and Climate Action area, and will fund projects from civil society, Indigenous and other organizations to support climate change adaptation in the Global South.
Two funding envelopes will be created: the first, of $300 million, will encourage broad non-governmental engagement in climate change programming in sub-Saharan Africa-including $20 million for advancing women's rights and climate change adaptation; the second, of $15 million, will support Indigenous peoples and organizations in Canada in advancing climate action alongside Indigenous partners in developing countries.
Minister Sajjan made the announcement while participating at a virtual panel discussion called "Partnering for Climate: Increasing Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions," facilitated by Richard Florizone, President and CEO of the International Institute for Sustainable Development. The Minister was joined by Augusta Maita, Mozambique's Minister of Sea, Inland Waters, and Fisheries, and Mary MacDonald, Senior VP and Chief Conservation Officer, World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada).
Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which can affect food and water systems, displace populations and hinder economic development. Mozambique, for example, is especially at risk due to its extensive coastline, and the frequency of droughts, cyclones and floods in the country has increased in recent years-threatening the coastal and rural areas' great economic potential.
Minister Sajjan emphasized that this funding is open to new and non-traditional partnerships. This will allow for diverse experiences, resources and expertise to be leveraged for nature-based solutions (e.g. mangrove restoration, agroforestry, wetland protection, etc.) in the most vulnerable places affected by climate change.
