UNEPCritiques

The Sahelian countries (CILSS) are among the poorest countries in the world with the most degraded environments. They are also among the countries that are the most vulnerable to the estimated effects of climate change. This makes the region an area to focus regional and international attention on, in respect to the possible effects of climate change and its potential linkages to migration and/or conflict.

UNEP�s study focuses on the nine countries that form the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (Comit� Permanent Inter-Etats de Lutte contre la S�cheresse dans le Sahel, CILSS), namely, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Mali, Chad, Niger, Gambia and Burkina Faso. Part of CILSS�s mandate is to direct efforts towards natural resources management and food security.

The study seeks to: 1) identify how and where climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities in the Sahel;2) analyze its potential links to conflict and/or migration; 3) assess current policies that address the climate, conflict and migration nexus, and raise awareness, catalyze support; and finally, 4) inform investments to meet emerging climate change adaptation needs.
Book description from UNEP (http://www.unep.org/publications/contents/pub_details_search.asp?ID=6231)