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The UN migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with the support of the United Kingdom (UK) government, launched the “Nexus of Transformative Solutions for Peace and Climate Adaptation” project. The project aims to generate evidence on the interrelationships between conflict and climate change through the lens of human dynamics and to directly engage communities across BARMM’s provinces in participatory action research. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen socio-economic resilience to climate change in conflict-affected communities, with Sharif Aguac and Mamasapano in Maguindanao del Sur and Marawi City in Lanao del Sur as pilot communities.
“This is a milestone for the UK and the Bangsamoro government as it is our first initiative to integrate climate change and peacebuilding objectives into local climate action and resilience-building in a conflict-affected context,” said Alastair White, Deputy Head of Mission. British Embassy in the Philippines. This project builds on the continued collaboration between IOM and the UK Government, which has contributed to key initiatives for sustainable peace in BARMM.” “We will give our full support to this valuable partnership,” continued Alistair.
BARMM is in transition as part of the joint implementation of the peace agreement. It continues to face security challenges with sporadic violence and conflict, clan feuds (rido), and the presence of non-state armed groups driven by a lack of socioeconomic opportunities in resource-dependent communities. Meanwhile, the region also experiences multiple natural hazards that can range from slow-onset to sudden-onset disasters. Recently, BARMM was devastated by severe tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) where massive flooding and landslides affected more than one million people and displaced more than 280,000 people in the region.
“The project brings together the knowledge and experience of local stakeholders, shedding light on increasingly emerging threats affecting communities left behind in BARMM,” said Tristan A. Burnett, IOM Chief of Mission in the Philippines said. “IOM hopes that the evidence and best practices identified during this project will help guide BARMM and conflict-affected communities to mainstream adaptation and mitigation strategies for climate change,” Burnett continued.
Several studies have shown that climate crises can increase security risks by exacerbating pre-existing socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities. They can cause depletion of resources, exacerbate tensions and inequalities, and cause unwanted migration—all of which can potentially contribute to conflict.
“Poverty reduction, economic development, and peace and community building efforts all face the constraints of both conflict and climate change. Fragile communities have particularly significant challenges and barriers to managing risks from crises and supporting climate change adaptation” said Hon. Ahod b. Ibrahim, Chief Minister of BARMM, emphasized the need to better understand long-term approaches to address the potential impacts of climate change on instability and conflicts in the region.
By video message Ahod b. Ibrahim further thanked the UK Government and IOM. Echoing his message, Engr. Mohjahirin T. Ali, MNSA. The Director General of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority shared his message of appreciation and highlighted the project’s “contribution to BARMM during the critical transition period” and support efforts for sustainable peace and development in the region.
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