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Combatting Desertification and Drought: Manushya Foundation Urges Sustainable Practices
On this important day, June 17th, Manushya Foundation would like to raise awareness regarding the challenges posed by desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD), as well as the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices to prevent and combat the issue!
This year’s theme “Her Land” focuses on the unequal consequences of desertification, land degradation, and drought, which disproportionately impact women and girls.
In South East Asia for instance, the flow of the Mekong has been completely disrupted by the unsustainable damming of the river built in Laos, contributing to droughts whose frequency and intensity have been exacerbated by climate change. In Laos, the government planned on having 100 dams in operation by 2030!
The livelihoods of more than 70 million people who depend on the resources of the Mekong for their livelihoods are threatened due to the challenges facing the river.
Some interesting data about droughts in the Mekong region ⤵️
👉Since 2000, drought episodes have significantly increased due to human activities, including dam operations.
💧Reduced water availability during droughts leads to crop failures, livestock losses, and diminished food production, affecting food security and local communities’ livelihoods.
💥Drought-related stress and competition over scarce resources can exacerbate inequalities and tension within communities, which can lead to gender-based violence.
👩🏽🤝👩🏾Women play a significant role in agricultural production and are disproportionately affected by drought, especially in rural areas where agriculture is the main source of income.
Despite being the most affected by the consequences of DLDD, women have limited involvement in decision-making processes related to water management, resource allocation, and climate adaptation strategies.
#WeAreManushyan ∞ Equal Human Beings
✊Manushya Foundation calls on governments in the region to take measures to prevent and mitigate the risks of DLDD such as stopping to build large-scale hydropower projects that are harmful to rivers flow.
The issue of desertification and drought can never be effectively addressed without stronger women leadership and decision-making power in water governance!
References:
United Nations, Observances, “Desterficiation day”, accessible at:
Asia Nikkei, “Thailand challenges Laos dam building spree on Mekong River”, (January 30, 2021), available at:
VOA, “Mekong Drought Enters Fourth Year; Worst Conditions in 60 Years”, (February 11, 2022) available at:
UN Women, Explainer, “How gender inequality and climate change are interconnected” (February 28, 2022) available at:
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