Climate Change Adaptation and Migration: Workshop report published
HCMC, 19.10.2012
Climate-related environmental change and associated disasters figure among the most serious challenges facing the Mekong Delta. The vulnerability of the Delta coupled with the opportunities created by rapid economic growth are generating increased migration and urbanization, as affected people move to commercial and industrial centres.
As rural livelihoods are transformed by environmental change, there is growing evidence that well planned migration is a viable adaptation strategy which can increase the resilience of communities. However, the consequences of climate change for human mobility need to be further assessed, and further research is needed on how best to facilitate migration as a positive response to environmental change.
The workshop ‘Climate Change Adaptation and Migration in the Mekong Delta’ brought together climate change experts, researchers, local and international NGOs, and authorities from affected provinces to address this gap. The workshop discussed the impacts of climate change on livelihoods and the links between climate change, environmental degradation, and migration. Participants provided insight into climate change adaptation in the Mekong Delta and discussed the key issues surrounding policy and strategies to enhance mobility as an adaptation to environmental change.
Workshop presentations included:
- Results of a range of current research focused on the Mekong Delta on issues of migration dynamics, livelihood impacts, and adaptation strategies;
- Evaluation of resettlement programmes and policy responses
- Lessons learned from intervention projects implemented by international NGOs and government.
IOM Viet Nam continues to focus on the environment-migration nexus as a key challenge facing Viet Nam in the coming decades. IOM Viet Nam is currently developing pilot programmes to assess the implications of climate change and migration for sustainable urban development, and to reduce the vulnerability of migrants in both rural and urban areas to the impacts of climate change and related disasters.
For more information, pls. contact IOM’s Chief of Mission in Viet Nam: Florian G. Forster ( fforster@iom.int; Mobile: +84 9 03450196)