Mr. Speaker, the United Nations has proclaimed June 17 world day to combat desertification.
Desertification results from changes in climate, the deterioration of vegetation due to over exploitation, over grazing, deforestation and burning, through wind and water erosion due to poor cultivation practices.
Desertification is more serious in Africa and Asia, but is also impacting our prairies. In 1995, Canada ratified the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The convention commits supporters to provide resources for programs and projects designed to halt and, hopefully, reverse the expansion of deserts. These efforts are urgently needed if we are to ensure the productivity of lands and forests for future generations.