The OSS at the center of Debates on migration and climate change, December, 19th, 2024

On December 19, 2024, the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) participated in the 6th edition of the Annual Forum on Migration, an event organized in Tunis by the National Observatory of Migration (ONM) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This forum, under the theme "Migration and Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change," brought together experts, policymakers, academics, and civil society representatives to address the complex links between climate change, ecosystem degradation, and migration dynamics.

Representing the OSS, Mr. Hamda Foughali, Project Manager, delivered a presentation highlighting the fragility of African ecosystems in the face of climate change challenges and their impacts on populations. He extensively explained how increasing aridity, land degradation, and biodiversity loss contribute to food insecurity, forcing millions to migrate, often under challenging conditions.

The presentation also underscored alarming data:

• Africa could have 86 million climate migrants by 2050.
• Approximately 62% of Africa's rural population depends directly on ecosystem services.
• Desertification and climate variability exacerbate poverty, reducing livelihoods and increasing the vulnerability of rural populations.

The OSS responses

In response to Africa's challenges, the OSS actively contributes by:

• Promoting sustainable natural resource management.
• Strengthening local capacities through targeted training programs.
• Facilitating access to climate financing thanks to its accreditations with climate funds (Adaptation Fund and Green Climate Fund).

The OSS's central message is clear: urgent collective action is needed to reduce the vulnerability of ecosystems and communities in Africa to climate change. This involves effective management of environmental migration by enhancing the resilience of the most affected populations.