Climate change has had, and will continue to have, profound ramifications for the people living in the Pacific region. As sea levels rise, ocean acidification increases, tropical storms and cyclones become more intense, and freshwater lenses are affected by salt-water intrusion, people whose homes and livelihoods are significantly affected or destroyed may be forced to relocate or may voluntarily choose to migrate in search of better livelihood opportunities. An enhanced understanding of the nexus between climate change and migration is essential for timely and effective policy formulation by governments, particularly to address the specific needs of the most vulnerable groups. This joint ESCAP, ILO and UNDP project is funded by the European Commission. The key objectives of this partnership are to:1. Build knowledge base on migration flows, policies and practices in the region, and the projected impacts of climate change on migration, including labour migration;2. Enhance national capacities to address the impacts of climate change on migration in the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; and3. Improve regional knowledge sharing and cooperation on the issue of climate change-induced migration and labour migration

By improving the knowledge base on climate change, strengthening local data gathering, and improving labour migration data, Pacific Islands governments will be in a better position to understand and track the needs of different groups in the population, including youth, women and the poor, as well as other groups which are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The project will help support Kiribati, Tuvalu and Nauru to improve capacity to understand the needs of local communities with regards to climate induced migration, including those living on outer islands. This will serve as an important mechanism for ensuring inclusive participation in policy planning as well as providing input for forecasting migration flows (facilitated through innovative technology). The countries will also be supported to take concrete action based on their priorities. Improved regional mobility facilitated at both national and regional levels through various migration schemes. Improved regional mobility has the potential to not only benefit the migrants themselves and their families (through remittances) but also people in countries that receive migrants from Pacific Island countries and the communities they come from.

National project officers in the three focus countries, Nauru, Kiribati and Tuvalu, will ensure maximum capacity-building.

A regional Project Steering Committee and national-level Project Advisory Committees which include key stakeholders will be responsible for guiding implementation.

- UN Agencies UNESCAP Pacific Office ILO Country Office for the Pacific UNDP Pacific Centre - Donor Agencies European Union - National Governments Tuvalu Nauru Kiribati This Partnership is in collaboration with many others, including: Governments of Pacific Island developing states, international organizations, regional organisations operating in the Pacific, Donors, NGOs and other partners.