Climate Change, Environmental Degradation and Migration (2011)
International Conference Center Geneva (CICG)
17 rue de Varembé, Geneva, Switzerland
Background
The workshop on "Climate Change, Environmental Degradation and Migration" was held in the framework of IOM's International Dialogue on Migration (IDM) which in 2011 has the overall theme of "The Future of Migration: Building Capacities for Change".
Consistent with IOM's mandate and Strategy Document (activity 7), the IDM provides a forum for IOM Member and Observer States, as well as international and non-governmental organizations and other partners, to share experiences and perspectives on migration matters with a view to identifying practical solutions and fostering greater cooperation.
Overview
The reality of climate change adds a new layer of complexity to the environment-migration nexus. Environmental factors, including climate change, ranging from natural disasters to environmental degradation have a negative impact on exposed and especially vulnerable countries, cities and populations around the world.
The purpose of this workshop was to explore the policy, research and technical capacities that are needed to manage the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on human mobility. Specifically, it aimed to:
- Bring together governments to exchange their experiences of and responses to the realities of environmentally-induced movements in their respective societies and to identify effective practices for minimizing vulnerability;
- Provide the IOM membership with the opportunity to discuss different dimensions of capacity building required to manage the multifaceted impact of climate change and environmental degradation on human mobility;
- Exchange innovative ideas for multi-stakeholder partnerships at all stages of the migration process including strategies for a comprehensive approach to ensure effective protection and assistance to environmental migrants.
Agenda
| 29 March 2011 - Day 1 | |
| 09:00 - 10:00 | Registration |
| 10:00 - 10:10 |
Welcome Remarks
|
| 10:10 - 10:40 |
Keynote Address
|
| 10:40 - 11:00 |
Setting the Scene
|
| 11:00 - 13:00 |
Session I: Environmental migration state of the art: Where we are, where we need to go Moderator: Paul de Guchteneire, Chief, International Migration and Urbanization, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Speakers:
General Discussion |
| 13:00 - 14:00 | Afternoon Break |
| 14:00 - 15:00 |
Side Event: Reducing vulnerability, building resilience Moderator: Gervais Appave, Special Policy Advisor, IOM Speakers:
|
| 15:00 - 18:00 |
Session II: Capacities for comprehensive responses: From emergency assistance to sustainable development Moderator: Margareta Wahlström, United Nations Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (Bio) Speakers:
General Discussion End of day |
| 30 March 2011 – Day 2 | |
| 10:00 - 10:30 |
Migrant's Voice
|
| 10:30 - 13:00 |
Session III: Protecting and assisting environmental migrants: Building and strengthening frameworks and capacities Moderator: Janice Marshall, Deputy Director of International Protection, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Speakers:
General Discussion |
| 13:00 - 15:00 | Afternoon Break |
| 15:00 - 17:30 |
Session IV: Capacity Building for effective policymaking on environmental migration: Towards comprehensive policy frameworks Moderator: Irena Vojackova-Sollorano, Director, Department of Migration Management, IOM Speakers:
General Discussion |
| 17:30 - 18:00 |
Wrap-up and Closing Remarks
End of the Workshop |