Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC) Updates
Commemoration of the 5th Anniversary of the Endorsement of the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda, the Adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC
Visit the Collaborative Exhibition on Disaster Displacement at the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks, by IOM with the Platform on Disaster Displacement, UNHCR and the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre
The Pacific Regional Consultation on Internal Displacement
by Sabira Coelho and Christopher Yee, IOM Fiji
The Pacific Regional Consultation on Internal Displacement, organized by IOM as the chair of the Technical Working Group on Human Mobility in coordination with the Secretariat of the High-Level Panel (HLP) on Internal Displacement, took place on 11 February.
The meeting was chaired by the Ambassador of the Marshall Islands to Fiji. The Prime Minister of Fiji opened the meeting through a video statement. Fourteen member countries attended with 10 providing country statements (Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu). The meeting brought together around 170 observers from UN agencies, NGOs, CSOs, academia, development and humanitarian partners from the Pacific and Geneva.
The meeting resulted in key messages, notably highlighting the vulnerability of Pacific Islands to climate change and disaster related displacement, as well as recommendations from the Pacific region to the HLP for inclusion in their final report. All the meeting documents, including the concept note, agenda, country statements, video and the survey results can be accessed here.
First Meeting of the Migration Dialogue for West Africa on Climate Change, Land Degradation, Desertification, Environment and Migration
By Sînziana Pușcaș and Iulia Duca, IOM MECC HQ
On 24 and 25 of March 2021, IOM and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) organized the first meeting of the Thematic Working Group of the Migration Dialogue for West Africa (MIDWA) on "Climate change, land degradation, desertification, environment and migration," in the context of the project on “Implementing Global Policies on Environmental Migration and Disaster Displacement in West Africa,” funded by the Government of France and implemented together with the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD). The meeting was co-chaired by the Governments of Senegal and of Sierra Leone.
The meeting facilitated the dialogue between some 80 representatives of MIDWA Member States and Observers, donor countries, ECOWAS Commission, and of IOM and partners, including the African Development Bank, the Platform on Disaster Displacement, UNCCD, UNHCR, and the World Bank.
The discussions highlighted the importance of several areas of work around: migration and desertification, land degradation, drought and agriculture; pastoralism and natural resources-tension, linking climate change and conflict; displacement in the context of disasters, such as floods; and coastal erosion and fishing communities facing planned relocations. They also highlighted the importance of the state-led MIDWA process bringing the West African views to the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration as well as the Paris Agreement on climate change. This meeting also set up the structural arrangements of the Thematic Working Group, with States discussing the Terms of Reference and Chairmanship. The Governments of Senegal and Sierra Leone are championing the topic in the region and proposed their co-chairmanships. The Group will continue its work and develop a workplan in the following months.
IOM Presents the Findings of a New Assessment of Environmental Migration Data in Six Countries of the Eastern Caribbean
by Pablo Escribano, IOM Americas
On 26 March 2021, IOM and its partners delivered a press conference to present the findings of an assessment of regional and national information and data sharing mechanisms on migration, environment and climate change in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The assessment has been carried out by a team of consultants under an IOM Dominica project funded by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented in close collaboration with the Organisation of Easter Caribbean States (OECS) and IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Center (GMDAC).
As it was discussed during the press conference, the assessment found that multiples sources of information can be leveraged at the regional and national level to better understand the environment and human mobility nexus. This data, however, needs to be better collected, shared and analyzed to facilitate its use for policymaking. At the same time, adjustments can also be promoted to collect new information by OECS countries. Guidelines will be prepared under the intervention to accompany this process.
Developing a Research and Policy Agenda for Addressing Displacement and Migration in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change in Africa Virtual Workshop Series April-July 2021
IOM and PIK Launch a New Study:
Assessing the Evidence on Migration and Climate Change in Peru
by Pablo Escribano, IOM Americas
IOM and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) launched on 10 February 2021 a comprehensive study summarizing available literature on migration and climate change in Peru. The publication is based on a review of 59 publications and looks at the use of human mobility as a coping and adaptation mechanism across the major topographic areas of Peru: the coast, the highlands and the Amazon rainforest. It also depicts potential hazards that could emerge as a result of climate change leading to unforeseeable consequences in human mobility. The publication is also accompanied by a policy brief summarizing the key elements for policymakers.
The study was launched virtually with the participation of Peru’s Vice-Minister for the Environment, the Director of PIK, the German Ambassador to Peru and the IOM Chief of Mission in Peru. It also included a panel of leading experts who discussed the major findings of the study and put them in perspective with current policy developments in Peru. The ongoing development of a plan of action on climate migration, foreseen by Peru’s Framework Law on Climate Change, offers a great opportunity to build coherence on this process.
Building Back Better with Migrants and Youth
by Hind Aïssaoui Bennani, IOM West and Central Africa
In parallel to UNECA’s 7th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, IOM organized a continental online side-event on “Green Recovery and Nature-based Solutions in Response to the Socio-economic Impact of COVID-19 in Africa”.
The event was co-chaired by IOM and the African Union’s Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture. Mainly inspired by the example of the agricultural sector, it hosted a discussion between key continental stakeholders such as the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Kenya, African Development Bank, FAO, and the Senegalese Reforestation and Great Green Wall Agency. The private sector and research sector were also represented through South Africa’s uYilo e-Mobility Programme. The discussion was concluded through the recommendations of Ms. Kudakwashe Chingono, Fellow to the UNDP Regional Directors Office under the African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Programme.
Climate Change and Forced Migration: A Crisis in the Making with Alice Baillat, IOM MECC
L’OIM publie la première étude intégrant le lien entre migration, environnement et changement climatique dans la planification locale au Burkina Faso
by Aissatou Guisse Kaspar, IOM Burkina Faso
Intitulée « Intégration du lien entre migration, environnement et changement climatique (MECC) dans la planification locale au Burkina Faso, » une recherche inédite publiée par l’OIM s’est appuyée sur le cas des communes de Mané et de Bokin dans les régions du Centre-Nord et du Nord pour identifier les opportunités d’intégration des dimensions migratoires, environnementales et climatiques dans la planification locale. Cette étude vise également à servir de base pour la recherche sur la thématique aux niveaux national et régional.
Comme plusieurs localités au Burkina Faso, les communes de Mané et de Bokin font face à une raréfaction des ressources (foncier, eau), un taux de chômage important surtout chez les jeunes et un taux de pauvreté élevé. La conjonction de ces facteurs, accentuée par le changement climatique, a un impact négatif à la fois sur les mouvements migratoires (intensification de l’exode rural) et sur la gestion environnementale (exploitation anarchique de la végétation), impactant le potentiel de développement inclusif et durable de ces territoires.
En collaboration avec les autorités locales, l’OIM a développé une approche intégrée visant le renforcement de capacités afin d’intégrer les connaissances factuelles de la migration, la dégradation de l'environnement et la dynamique du changement climatique dans la planification locale.
Niger Government, Civil Society and Researchers Strengthen Capacity on the Migration, Environment and Climate Change Nexus
By Orlane Mathieu Maincent, IOM Niger
Migration in the context of the environment is long-established in the Sahel. Here, population movements are historically understood as an adaptation strategy. However, under the combined effects of environmental and climate changes, as well as security threats and a galloping demography, the links between migration and the environment today go beyond traditional adaptation capacities: they reshape habitats, livelihood strategies and the availability of resources essential to life.
Between 23rd and 25th of March, IOM organized the first capacity building workshop on Migration, Environment and Climate Change in Niamey, Niger. Some 30 participants representing ministries, civil society organizations and research groups participated. Authorities’ and IOM’s expert presentations, as well as group activities and field visits allowed for rich and promising discussions.
Following the workshop, these key stakeholders will guide the development of the Niger MECC Country Profile report part of the IOM project "Towards a better consideration of the link between Migration, Environment and Climate Change in public policies in Niger," funded by the IOM Development Fund (IDF) and implemented together with the National Environment Council for a Sustainable Development under the Office of the Prime Minister (CNEDD). In addition, following the workshop and report, the Ministry of the Environment, Urban Health and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of the Interior aim to contribute to the development of public policies responding to these challenges.
IOM and ECLAC Analyze the Gender Dimensions of Environmental Migration and Disaster Displacement Across the Caribbean
by Pablo Escribano, IOM Americas
IOM and the Caribbean Subregional Headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) have launched a new study looking at the gender impacts of environmental migration and disaster displacement in the Caribbean. Based on a review of available literature and interviews with researchers and key stakeholders, the report provides a general overview of the situation of Caribbean countries and dives deeper into a set of case studies related to sudden-onset disaster displacement and slow-onset migration movements.
The publication shows that gender considerations are crucial to understand environmental migration and disaster displacement across the mobility continuum, from the situation in communities of origin, to displacement and migration settings and potential returns or durable solutions. Not only women and girls are in particularly vulnerable situations in this cycle, but examples also show the importance of promoting women and girls’ agency and leadership. Cross-cutting vulnerabilities of indigenous and migrant populations, LGBTI persons, persons with disabilities, and older people also need to be considered.
The Government of Senegal Participates in Global and Regional Discussions on Migration, Environment and Climate Change
by Ibrahima Thiam, IOM Senegal
On 4th of February 2021, the Government of Senegal participated in the global commemoration event of the 5th Anniversary of the Endorsement of the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda, the Adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC, led by the Governments of France and Fiji, and organized by the PDD together with IOM and UNHCR.
The Senegalese representatives, Dr. Amadou Diaw, Technical Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, and focal point for the IOM project on "Implementing Global Policies on Environmental Migration and Disaster Displacement in West Africa" and Amadou Lamine Ndiaye, National Consultant and Coordinator of the National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction with the support of CADRI Partnership, shared the positive dynamic in which Senegal is currently situated in order to significantly evolve this important thematic. In addition, Senegal's intervention focused on initiatives in the West African sub-region, with support from IOM, as well as the African Union initiative. Emphasis was also placed on the process of meeting the Sendai Framework Indicator E as part of the CADRI partnership, which supports Senegal to have a national disaster risk reduction strategy in the near future.
The Government of Senegal, with Dr. Amadou Diaw leading the delegation, also co-chaired the first Meeting of the MIDWA Thematic Working Group on "Climate change, land degradation, desertification, environment and migration," together with the Government of Sierra Leone, on 24th-25th of March 2021, with support from IOM. This meeting allowed to make a general review of IOM's activities in Senegal and West and Central Africa, but also revitalized regional exchanges for better integration of environmental and migration policies.
Assessment Report on Identifying Climate Adaptive Solutions to Displacement in Somalia
by Lana Goral, IOM Somalia
On 24 February, IOM Somalia presented the final assessment report on “Identifying Climate Adaptive Solutions to Displacement in Somalia” to policy makers within the Government of Somalia. The objective of the assessment report, funded by the IOM Development Fund, was to assess the impact of climate change on rural to urban displacement, as well as, identify recommendations for climate adaptive solutions to displacement in urban centres.
This study explores the interaction between climate change, displacement and urbanisation. The aims is to answer a dual question, in the context of the Somali cities of Baidoa and Kismayo: What factors trigger climate induced migration? What adaptive and transformative solutions may contribute to building resilience amid displacement and climate change – at the community and policy levels?
The COVID-19 Pandemic, Migration and the Environment
IOM Blog Series
The COVID-19 pandemic is having profound, widespread impacts on migrants, refugees and displaced persons, as well as on migration patterns at local and global level. Its implications for the different facets of the migration and environment nexus are also significant, and very diverse. People evacuating and displaced as a consequence of disasters are facing specific challenges respecting physical distancing and practicing other infection prevention measures. Migrants forced to return towards their home countries and locations might put additional pressures on already fragile ecosystems and livelihoods. Families and communities that were relying on migration as an adaptation or coping strategy have little options to send out their members or have stopped receiving remittances.
In order to explore the theoretical and practical implications of these dynamics on migration and the environment all over the world, IOM is hosting a series of contributions by practitioners and researchers. This series provides a forum for the environment and migration community to share experiences, knowledge, ideas and recommendations on the linkages between the COVID-19 pandemic and disaster displacement, environmental migration, and the environmental impacts of people’s different movement decisions. This series includes contributions by authors with different disciplinary and professional backgrounds and on all regions of the world, aiming to provide a snapshot of the diversity and complexity of these implications.
Latest articles in the IOM Blog Series on "The COVID-19 Pandemic, Migration and the Environment":
Mariam Chazalnoël Traore @MariamChazal- IOM Thematic Specialist on Migration, Environment and Climate Change, IOM New York
Lorenzo Guadagno @lo_lo_loreIOM Migration, Environment and Climate Change - Department of Operations and Emergencies Liaison Officer, IOM Geneva
Sinziana Puscas sinziana09 - IOM Project Officer on Migration, Environment and Climate Change, IOM Geneva
Alice Baillat@AliceBail - IOM Associate Expert on Migration, Environment and Climate Change and IOM-PDD Liaison Officer, IOM Geneva
Soumyadeep Banerjee@soum_banerjee - IOM Thematic Specialist on Migration, Environment and Climate Change in Eastern and South Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Hind Aissaoui BennaniLinkedIn - IOM Thematic Specialist on Migration, Environment and Climate Change in West and Central Africa
Sabira Coelho@sabiracoelho - IOM Programme Manager on Migration, Environment and Climate Change in the Pacific
Pablo Escribano@pescribanoIOM - IOM Thematic Specialist on Migration, Environment and Climate Change in the Americas
Lisa Lim Ah Ken@LisaLimAhKen1 - IOM Thematic Specialist on Migration, Environment and Climate Change in the East and Horn of Africa
IOM International Dialogue on Migration: Accelerating integrated action on sustainable development: migration, the environment and climate change | 25 - 27 May 2021
Newsletter editors: Ileana Sînziana Pușcaș, Project Officer, and Iulia Elisabeta Duca, Project Support Officer, IOM Migration, Environment and Climate Change Division, Geneva, Switzerland
