Disasters, Climate Change and Displacement: Regional dynamics of human mobility in West Africa
- The protection needs and challenges for displaced persons and migrants in the context of disasters and climate change in West Africa;
- The specific challenges for those displaced across international borders, including outside of the West African region, in the context of drought and other natural hazards;
- The challenges linked to the urban adaptation of migrants in light of demographic changes;
- The role of ECOWAS as a platform for regional cooperation on human mobility in the context of climate change, highlighting the example of facilitating pastoralist mobility to adapt to environmental stress;
- The position of West African countries in the UNFCCC negotiations with regard to migration, displacement and planned relocation in the context of climate change, with particular
attention to integrating human mobility issues within National Adaptation Plans. Format The consultation took the form of panel presentations followed by an open discussion between the panel members and all invited guests. The panel included a Representative from the Chairmanship of the Nansen Initiative, a Representative from the Government of Germany, a Representative from ECOWAS, the Envoy of the Chairmanship of the Nansen Initiative, and two Representatives from West African States. The event was moderated by Prof. François Gemenne, a professor at the University of Liège and Sciences Po, and a member of the Nansen Initiative Consultative Committee. The consultation ended with a summary of main conclusions and recommendations for further action and follow up. Sponsors and Collaborators The consultation was generously funded by the Government of Germany. It was organized in closecooperation with Sciences Po, the University of Liège, the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, and the Nansen Initiative Secretariat.