As the effects of climate change intensify across the globe, vulnerable communities, particularly in developing regions, face unprecedented challenges. Recognizing the unique potential of diasporas to support national resilience efforts, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with EU funding, has launched the "Diaspora for Climate Action" project. This global initiative focuses on engaging diaspora communities in the UK to promote climate resilience and sustainable development in Albania, Bangladesh, Ghana, and Jamaica — four countries significantly impacted by climate change and with robust diaspora representation in the UK.
The two-year project aims to strengthen climate action by building partnerships between diaspora communities, local governments, and international stakeholders, using targeted climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Project Objectives and Scope
The project seeks to address climate vulnerabilities in Albania, Bangladesh, Ghana, and Jamaica by leveraging the diaspora’s contributions in sectors identified as priorities in each country’s climate strategies, such as energy, agriculture, and coastal management. Through extensive research, consultations, and collaborations with national experts, the project will:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand opportunities and challenges in engaging diasporas in climate action.
- Develop country-specific climate action tools and communication strategies for the diaspora.
- Facilitate ongoing dialogues between UK-based diaspora groups and national stakeholders.
Country-Specific Contexts
- Albania faces increasing temperatures and frequent extreme weather, leading to heightened risks in agriculture, health, and tourism.
- Bangladesh is highly susceptible to cyclones, coastal erosion, and freshwater shortages, severely impacting rural communities and driving urban migration.
- Ghana grapples with coastal erosion and altered rainfall patterns affecting food security and public health.
- Jamaica, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), is vulnerable to hurricanes and sea-level rise, posing risks to sectors such as fisheries and agriculture.
By engaging diaspora communities, this project aims to bridge the knowledge gap on climate priorities and connect diaspora associations with actionable channels for involvement.
Implementation and Partnerships
Led by IOM UK, the project will work closely with local IOM offices in Albania, Bangladesh, Ghana, and Jamaica. National project steering committees will coordinate efforts across sectors, involving ministries responsible for climate change and diaspora affairs in each country. The project also builds on existing national frameworks like Ghana’s National Climate Change Policy, Bangladesh’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, and Jamaica’s Vision 2030 framework.
In the UK, IOM will engage diaspora organizations representing each target country, in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and other UK government departments focused on climate change.
Outcomes and Vision for the Future
The "Diaspora for Climate Action" project envisions a sustainable model for diaspora engagement in climate resilience. By fostering connections between diaspora communities and countries of origin, this initiative will bolster government efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development. The project will also contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inform future policies through its collaboration with international research partners and alignment with frameworks such as the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction and the UNFCCC’s guidelines on climate adaptation.
