Ottawa, ON – May 29th, 2025 – Global Affairs Canada has determined that the proposed Nature Positive Food Systems for Climate Change Adaptation projects, located in Ethiopia and in Kenya, are not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

The determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

To address negative environmental effects of this project, environmental assessments (EAs) were conducted. The Canadian Food and Grain Bank, in collaboration with the Terepeza Development Association (TDA) in Ethiopia and Utooni Development Organisation (UDO) in Kenya developed specific environmental mitigation measures based on the findings of the EAs. Both TDA and UDO have prepared a structured monitoring and reporting plans to ensure that all initiatives continue to align with environmental requirements while serving the local communities in a sustainable way. Local authorities and community leaders will be strongly encouraged to participate in the monitoring process to ensure that community expectations are met, and negative environmental effects are adequately mitigated.

The following mitigation measures were taken into account for this determination:

• To minimize risks of erosion of embankments and soil:
  • Water flow management systems and water collection pits will be put in place to manage water velocity, avoid soil erosion and enable water table regeneration
  • Use of small-scale ponds and trenches in catchment areas to allow water table recharge
  • Add slope and erosion stabilization measures where applicable.
  • Ongoing monitoring of water points by local Water Point Committees, including consideration of rights for communities downstream
  • Community education on water source protection

• To minimize risks of surface water contamination from agriculture and from free ranging cattle:
  • Construct cattle containment structures.
  • Community education on water protection
  • Construct water diversion channels and structures to collect and divert rainwater.
  • Training on appropriate tree species selection and on resilient crop varieties to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

• To minimize health risks:
  • Community training on sustainable practices, particularly with respect to water source protection
  • Community engagement in vector management practices to minimize the potential for water borne diseases.
  • Provide appropriate waste disposal facilities and education on reusing and recycling where feasible.

Global Affairs Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Global Affairs Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be conducted in whole or in part.