Researchers’ Workshop on Climate-Induced Migration & Policy Responses to
Climate-Induced Migration in Asia and the Pacific: Regional Conference
Manila, Philippines, 14 – 16 September 2011
Environmental Displacement
Asia and the Pacific will be amongst the global regions most affected by
the impacts of climate change. Countries of the region are particularly
vulnerable because of a high degree of exposure to environmental risks
and large population. In recent years, Asia and the Pacific has
undergone massive and rapid socioeconomic transformation.
Migration within countries, especially from rural to urban areas, has
become significant. Countries and populations of Asia and the Pacific
will be affected by climate change in different ways, leading to various
migration scenarios. Cross-border migration is likely to increase.
Already, the region is home to the most important source of
international migrants worldwide.
In 2010, more than 30 million people in Asia and the Pacific were
displaced by environmental disasters, such as storms and floods. Many
returned home, but others did not. Climate change is expected to
increase the frequency of extreme weather events, and over time induce
significant sea-level rise. At the same time, the region’s population,
now around 4 billion, continues to increase. These developments will
result in growing numbers of people on the move for reasons that include
environmental factors.
ADB Events
In September 2010, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a technical
assistance project to develop policy recommendations to address
climate-induced migration in Asia and the Pacific. The project is also
considering options to finance actions related to climate-induced
migration. This unique project aims to stimulate thinking and action by
concerned stakeholders and decision-makers on the local, national,
regional, and global levels.
On 14 September 2011, ADB will organize a full-day workshop for
researchers of environmental displacement and climate-induced migration
in Asia and the Pacific. The workshop will bring together individuals
exploring these phenomena in several countries in the region. The aim is
to share research findings, compare approaches and methodologies,
exchange contacts and references, and forge a new professional network.
The workshop is expected to bring together researchers from the whole
Asia-Pacific region and others interested in their work.
Then, on 15-16 September 2011, ADB will host a one and a half day
regional conference to present its initial policy recommendations for
addressing migration associated with current environmental events and
predicted environmental changes. The conference will assemble leading
experts and decision makers from different disciplines. Representatives
of governments, inter-governmental organizations, development agencies,
NGOs, the private sector, and academe are expected to participate in the
event, including researchers who attended the earlier workshop.
These events are likely to be the largest-ever gathering of researchers
of environmental displacement and climate-induced migration in the
world's largest and most populous region. The Honorable Mohamed Aslam,
Minister of Housing, Transport and Environment, Maldives, will deliver
the keynote address at the regional conference. Among the research
institutions and international agencies participating in the program
will be the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, ICHIMOD, IDDRI,
International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,
International Labour Organization, International Organization for
Migration, PIK, Swedish Environmental Institute, UNHCR, and the UNU
Institute for Environment and Human Security.
The events will raise awareness of the environment as a driver of
migration, opportunities to use migration as a tool of adaptation to
climate change, and the need for governments and international agencies
to act now to reduce human vulnerability and risk associated with
environmental displacement.
If you would like to attend these events, contact Ms. Chet Japson at
email [log in to unmask]; telephone +632 632-4444; or fax +632
636 2409.
More information can be found online at:
http://www.adb.org/SocialDevelopment/climate-migration/default.asp
Please send all replies to: [log in to unmask]
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