Human Migration: Environmental Dimensions of Refugees and Internally Displaced Peoples

Environmental change along with a range of economic, social and political factors (such as conflict and chronic poverty) drive displacement and migration. People are as likely to migrate to places of environmental... [ view full abstract ]

Environmental change along with a range of economic, social and political factors (such as conflict and chronic poverty) drive displacement and migration. People are as likely to migrate to places of environmental vulnerability as from them. Subsequently, these movements can impact the resources and systems of newly adopted lands or places of settlement. While migration is understood as a threat to sensitive environments and host communities, it is also important to keep in mind, that many communities are unable to move away from locations in which they are extremely vulnerable to environmental change. This necessitates an equally important conversation on facilitated migration outside of the tropes of geopolitics and international security.

Designed as a talking circle, this session aims to garner insight from conference delegates to guide the development of a Task Force within the IUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP). The Task Force aims to address the impacts of migration and displacement on the environment and biodiversity, as well their broader political, economic and social dimensions. Our conversation aims to address the following questions:  

• What are the impacts of human migration on biodiversity, natural resources, protected areas, etc.?  What insights and best practices are available that may mitigate negative consequences of migration and displacement?
• What environmental conditions prompt or aggravate migration and displacement?
• What other factors play an important role in driving migration and displacement?
• How can we transition away from fear narratives towards those of preparedness and socio-ecological resilience?
• How can we harness the knowledges of migrants and refugees to benefit conservation and sustainability?
• How can we approach planned and facilitated migration in parallel to the above questions?
• What is needed to better understand migration and displacement to offer policy and programmatic interventions?           

Purpose

This session aims to host an informative discussion on the dimensions and impact of migration on biodiversity and the environment and the role conservation can play in mitigating environmental impacts resulting from migration or in preventing environmental degradation that might cause migration. The session aims to map out a framework for addressing the root causes of environment driven displacement and migration.

Desired Results

A survey of the landscape of current knowledge and communities of practice on migration and environmental degradation will be conducted. Insights from the session will frame the agenda of a CEESP led Task Force on Environment, Migration and Displacement. Identify prospective members and partners.