India, April 27 -- G7 environment ministers have elevated desertification, land degradation and drought to the core of their agenda.

They've termed these conditions "systemic global challenges" and security risk multipliers.

40% of global land, 3.2 billion people affected by desertification.

Ministers highlight conflict link, pledge scaled-up restoration finance, spotlight UNCCD COP17 as a key delivery moment.

The Group of Seven (G7) countries, in a landmark declaration, has placed desertification, land degradation and drought at the heart of their environmental priorities.

Adopted at the G7 Environment Ministerial meeting in Paris (April 23-24), the G7 Environment Ministers' Declaration formally described desertification and drought...