IOM approach to environmental induced Migration and Abu Qir Project Patrizio Fanti Programme Officer International Organisation for Migration 2 June 2015
Climate Change and Migration Environmental migration: a multi-causal phenomenon Impacts of both sudden and slow onset events Climate change as an exacerbating factor Not a new phenomenon, but may be set to change Both a sign of vulnerability and a coping strategy Talking of migration in the context of climate change means giving a human face to the climate change debate
How do environmental factors and climate change affect human mobility? (a) Higher risk of humanitarian emergencies and related population movements (b) Adverse consequences of climate change for livelihoods, public health, food security and water availability (c) Competition over shrinking natural resources (d) Migration as survival strategy,especially in case of natural disasters (e) Migration as an adaptation strategy
IOM Activities in Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience 2009-2012 Total beneficiaries: 23,203,099 257 projects Africa Asia Americas Oceania Europe 31 countries 4.8 million women 2 million children Total funding: USD 729,353,585
Pilot Project: Assessment and Strategy Development to Respond to Climate Change Implications on Human Displacement Mitigating the negative effects of Sea Level Rise in Egypt
Project background Inundation in the Nile Delta: A cause for concern? The northern coastal zone characterized by the low-lying delta of the Nile is home to 95% of the country population and agricultural activity; It has been estimated that a sea level rise of 50 cm by 2015 in the Delta could displace over 2 million of people and flood 1800 square KM of cropland; According to the Arab Republic of Egypt Initial National Communication on Climate Change, a rise of between 50cm and 1 mt along the Mediterranean coast near Alexandria could lead to the loss of 195,000 jobs; In the worst case scenario an estimated 1 mt rise in sea level in the Nile Delta could affect more that 6 million people
Project background
IOM Response In order to support the Government of Egypt s efforts to address the humanitarian challenges posed by environmental-induced human displacement IOM, in close cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Manpower and Emigration, has activated the Pilot Project: Assessment and Strategy Development to Respond to Climate Change Implications on Human Displacement 3 Main objectives To better understand actual and potential impacts and consequences of SLR on migration and human security issues; To identify practical pilot initiatives to help respond to SLR induced human displacement; To enhance awareness among key stakeholders of the inter-linkages between SLR, migration and human security in Egypt ;
Project target area: Abu Qir lagoon South area of Abu Qir Bay, the Abu Qir Lagoon, is located below sea level and is particularly vulnerable to SLR effects. This area is populated by around one million people; Half of the total urban areas are located in zones of elevation ranging from one meter above to three meters below sea-level; Around 24% of the population, mainly low educated Egyptians, are employed in fishing and agriculture and the services sector is mainly made up of tourism related jobs. Farmers, fishermen and employees in resorts, hotels, restaurants and other touristic establishments, and in particular the least educated among them, are therefore likely to be facing increased unemployment and livelihood insecurity as the effects of SLR will be felt.
Project Outcomes Vulnerabilities of local communities as well as their understanding of climate change risks and challenges have been assessed through focus group discussions, in depth interview and surveys; A GIS (Geographic Information Systems) analysis of the concerned zone has been carried out for the relevant layers (hazards, topography and population density) and a database to collect relevant data has been developed; Major hazards and risks likely to affect Abu Qir area have been assessed and potential measures to mitigate the implications on human disaster identified; CSOs, local institutions and students have been capacitated through workshops, seminars and training courses, etc; Increased awareness of Abu Qir most vulnerable population about sea level rise risks and challenges;
SLR in Abu-Qir: Policy Recommendations and practical proposals Enforcing and further developing building regulations and housing and infrastructure setback distance; Further increase coordination among existing initiatives and donors; Adopting a National strategy for Integrated Coastal Zone Management; Capacity Building for local, central authorities and CSOs in DRR Further studies and researches to forecast labour demand and supply in the areas likely to be affected Increase awareness and understanding of local communities and institutions about the risks and consequences of SLR; Developing tailored preventive measures for vulnerable coastal areas; Develop community develop project for communities receiving internal migrants;
SLR in Abu-Qir: Policy Recommendations and practical proposals Based on the findings of the researches carried out several possible initiatives have been identified