Thank you for participating in the third phase of the EMG Nexus Dialogues. To read a summary report of the phase 3 dialogue click here.

Please find the discussion questions and the responses to the third phase posted below:

Question 1:

The global social-ecological change affects availability, access and quality of water, food, land and energy. This poses a double threat by increasing the risk of disasters and conflicts, and making communities more vulnerable to their effects.  The situation is exacerbated by “threat multipliers” such as climate change, especially in low- and middle income countries.

How can we strengthen partnerships between the environmental and the humanitarian sector to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals in an effective and integrated way?

Question 2:

Disasters and conflict often propagate a vicious circle of ecosystem degradation, poverty and food insecurity. For example, the decades of war in Afghanistan resulted in up to 95% deforestation in some areas.

How can environment and humanitarian institutions work together to reduce the environmental drivers of conflict and reduce disaster impacts? Please provide examples.

Question 3:

Environment is a cross-cutting issue in humanitarian and development work, and can be both cause and consequence of conflicts and disasters. However, there is little consistency in approach, commitment or allocation of resources to address the environmental concerns in emergency, humanitarian and security operations.

How can we make humanitarian relief more sustainable by integrating the environment? Please provide examples.