Assessing the climate change environmental degradation and migration nexus in South Asia

This study aims to provide an overview of the nexus of climate change, environmental degradation and migration in South Asia. The project involved research, including an assessment study, field research and national consultations in Bangladesh, the Maldives and Nepal to establish the evidence base and raise awareness on the subject.

Respondents in Nepal and Maldives did not identify climate change as a major factor impacting current migration flows, however they did identify indirect factors which can be exacerbated by climate change, especially poverty. Poverty was singled out as a primary driver of internal migration in all three countries.

The policy review found that the nexus between climate change and migration does not receive sufficient attention, particularly in the policy documents of the Maldives and Nepal.

The study makes the following recommendations: 

• Facilitate awareness and consultation on climate change and migration issues from national levels to grass root levels;
• Evidence-based knowledge generation and dissemination is needed at all administrative level (Local to National);
• Build the capacity of vulnerable populations, migrants and officials;
• Enhance data collection and research related to migration and climate change;
• Create evidence-based policy, legal and institutional frameworks to address climate migration;
• Initiate programmes and projects to protect natural resources, low-lying areas, agricultural fields and water resources to ensure the livelihoods of the local communities.