Drought,Desertification,Displacement And Migration Can Nature Offer Part Of The Solution?

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

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Abstract: Drought,exacerbated by climate change and human impact,is one of the causes of migration and displacement that,if not effectively addressed,will lead to greater socioeconomic and environmental vulnerability. This requires immediate action and profound change. Nature-based solutions,as part of a broader suite of options,can provide an efficient solution to reduce the impact of drought and desertification while increasing peopleâ??s well-being. However,to date,the benefits of nature-based solutions have not been sufficiently recognized,whilst reactive,short-term methods are often resorted to. To promote nature-based solutions that address drought and desertification,and that thereby contribute to reducing forced migration and displacement,we need to understand the root causes of these problems. In this context,it is important to understand exactly how drought and desertification are triggered and exacerbated,how they amplify the migration and displacement crisis among other drivers,how we can protect our soils using nature and sustainable land management,and what the needed economic,political,and social changes are to minimize current and future droughts and treat migration as an option rather than a must.