Project properties
Title Climate refugees in tropical coasts- A governance perspective
Group Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group
Project type thesis
Credits 24-36
Supervisor(s) S. Pino Cobacho, M. J. A. Christianen
Examiner(s) M.J.A. Christianen
Contact info sara.pinocobacho@wur.nl
Begin date 2020/09/01
End date 2021/12/31
Description Climate change is expected to force the displacement of tens of millions by 2050 due to changes in their local environmental conditions and the intensification of natural disasters. Human relocation might pose a significant threat to the tropical coastal biome (mangroves, seagrasses and corals) when the relocated communities settle in the surroundings or within these habitats. The tropical coastal zone offers numerous services, which makes it more vulnerable to the impacts of refugee influx. The unregulated extraction and exploitation of coastal resources for the subsistence of relocated communities may present an obstacle for the conservation of marine ecosystems. Although the frequency of people being displaced by climate-related events is increasing, they are not yet recognised by international law as refugees, leading to illegal settlements and social conflicts. The student will explore the topic of climate-driven human relocation and design strategies for the governance of tropical coastal habitats under this developing threat.
Used skills
Requirements Specialization in (marine) governance, good knowledge of natural resource management.