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Degradation threatens food security: Pillay

June 17, 2018 11:30 pm

We often use land as if it were a limitless resource, ignoring its role in our daily lives says Assistant Agriculture Minister, Viam Pillay.

Speaking at the commemoration of World Day to Combat Desertification in Qelewaqa, Labasa, Pillay says this negligence threatens food and water supply, biodiversity and even livelihood.

Pillay adds land grabbing, unplanned urban sprawl, unsustainable agriculture and over exploitation lead to unjustifiable land use, which eventually causes degradation.

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As a result, he says, consumption of the Earth’s natural reserves has doubled in the last 30 years.

Globally, 30 percent of all land has lost its true value due to degradation.

World Day to Combat Desertification raises awareness on the global and national actions that address desertification, land degradation and drought.