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DEMAC's session on May 8th: diaspora's role in responding to climate disasters and supporting the resilience of local communities to environmental degradation

This session will be organized in hybrid format. You can follow online 

In 2023 DEMAC in partnership with IOM conducted a case study to explore how diaspora respond to climate-induced disasters and support community resilience and adaptation to environmental degradation in South Sudan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Peru and Tuvalu.

The main patterns and trends are the following:

1.     Case study diaspora actors were important in supporting longer term adaptation. Some are supporting climate-smart agricultural practices, income diversification, housing adaptation, internal relocation.

2.    DOs contribute to climate change mitigation efforts through awareness raising, advocacy, and direct involvement in carbon removal projects, encompassing tree planting and more.

3.    DO responses were strongest in the context of disaster response and recovery. Disasters triggered a substantial response from DOs, with charity, religion, and patriotism among motivators.

4.   DOs can share information & complement technology used for predicting disasters, anticipatory action and early warning efforts usually led by governments and institutional actors.

Objectives of this session: 

1. Present findings and lessons learned from the DEMAC and IOM Case Study “Diaspora Response to Climate change-related hazards in South Sudan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Peru and Tuvalu” – DEMAC/IOM - February 2024

2. Discuss feasible steps that enable an improved engagement between diaspora organisations, local organisations and institutional humanitarian actors in preparing and responding to climate change-related hazards (CCRHs):

- What are the challenges for diaspora and humanitarian actors to collaborate and jointly address h CCRHs?

- What best practices and lessons learned from diaspora initiatives could institutional humanitarian actors draw on to support community-based disaster preparedness and risk reduction initiatives?

- What actionable recommendations can be easily implemented to strengthen engagement and cooperation between diaspora organizations, local and institutional humanitarian actors in addressing CCRHs?

Agenda:

11:00 – 11:10: Welcome and Introduction 

11:10 – 11:25: Presentation of key findings and recommendations of the Case Study

11:25 – 12:05: Facilitated discussion with the panelists

12:05 – 12:25: Q&A and discussion

Photo Credit: Uganda (c) Unplash/Bill Wegener