Research Project (Ongoing)

Situational Analysis of the Most Vulnerable Climate Change Displaced People and Their Participation and Empowerment for Sustainable Community Development

There are very vulnerable groups of climate change displaced people who are overlooked within the current relevant international policy processes including climate change, sustainability and Disaster Risk Reduction. This research investigates the necessary protection needed for them to live safely and securely before and after migration, in alignment with the Human Security Concept that underlies the international aid policy of the Japanese government.

In particular, this research focuses on the international cross-border climate migrants in the Pacific Region, including migrants from the Pacific islands to developed countries in the region such as Australia, and the immobile community members who remain voluntarily or forcedly in the home country. It analyses their situation from the perspectives of empowerment, participation and indigenous knowledge.

The outcomes and outputs include digitally mapped migration flows and their life-stories. These can be developed into education and training materials as well as publications and presentations at conferences and seminars. This research will contribute to Japan's international cooperation policy that is supported by the concept of "human security" and the fulfillment of Japan's responsibilities based on international discussions on loss and damage, which refers to both policy mechanisms and the financial and physical losses caused by climate change despite mitigation and adaptation efforts, including adverse impact of society (urban cities and developed countries) on the vulnerable (rural communities and developing countries).