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The number of migrants taking dangerous risks to cross borders is a signal of an emerging challenge. But if the number of Europe-directed migrants is significant, their origin is even more so. The main countries of origin are Afghanistan, Eritrea, Gambia, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan and Syria. Civil war or terrorism may explain the outflow of migrants in…

The Sourcebook focuses on what can be achieved through cooperation among those implementing the Biodiversity-related Conventions at national and regional levels. It provides practical examples, checklists, lessons learnt and case studies from around the world which can provide an inspiration for those countries interested in exploring synergies opportunities in their own national and local…

In many parts of the world the quality of land is decreasing, thereby limiting its capacity to provide the manifold goods and services humanity depends on for existence. It is estimated that the health and livelihoods of an estimated 1.5 billion people are currently threatened through the negative impacts of land degradation. Alarmed by the Sahelian drought in the early 1970s, the…

Land and land-based natural resources are the foundation of livelihoods for millions of people and are related to social, cultural and spiritual identity.This is particularly the case for drylands people, who, due to low and variable rainfall and water availability, have developed adaptive strategies in response to seasonal, climatic and environmental change. Gender roles play an important role…

Dryland peoples face significant challenges from environmental, demographic and socio-economic trends, and the added threat of climate change. These challenges are exacerbated by the generic and multi-faceted marginalization of drylands areas resulting from persistent myths and misconceptions and a history of highly inappropriate policies, under-investment, poverty, social exclusion and…

Governance refers to decision-making by a range of stakeholders, including individuals, both in formal positions of power and ‘ordinary’ citizens, households, communities and organizations. Each stakeholder brings different interests, leverage and power to governance, in the process of establishing who decision making is ‘by’ and ‘for’. An active and empowered citizenry is essential to good…