Migration

The 2F3 session's main objective is to promote water resource management experiences/initiatives in rural areas, implemented in climatic contexts characterized by frequent water scarcity, possible root-cause of migratory phenomena, both internal (from rural to urban) and to neighboring countries.

There is growing evidence that water scarcity, changes in precipitation patterns and extreme weather events combined with socioeconomic vulnerabilities are driving migration and displacement. In 2016, climate and water-related disasters were responsible for displacing 23.5 million people. Closing the knowledge gaps by gathering statistics, data and information on migration and its drivers, is key to support evidence-based policies, programmes and investments to tackle migration.

There are large opportunities on the migration-water nexus in rural areas – for example through the development of green and decent employment projects, especially for the empowerment of women and youth, the inclusion of migrants and the sustainability of water resources, both in the territories of origin and destination. The session will explore how adapted and coherent policies can help us realize these opportunities.