To investigate the exact nature and impact of these changes, UNESCO is launching two studies on the relationship between environmental degradation and migration in the Sahel.

UNESCO: OFFICE IN DAKAR

This differs from migration caused by catastrophic environmental events such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

CNN: 'Climate change' forces Eskimos to abandon village

Collaboratively, the participants explored the factors that threatened Cambodian intangible heritage such as environmental problems, poverty, and migration, and discussed ways to support the sustainable development of Cambodian cultural traditions so that they could continue to exist for future generations.

UNESCO: Communities, government and local cultural experts key in the successful implementation of the 2003 Convention on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Encouraging migration south also has bad environmental consequences for the north.

ECONOMIST: Straddling the great divide | The

Although their spending is focused on environmental protection, it also injects millions of dollars into the economy each year, further stimulating migration.

ECONOMIST: The Galapagos Islands show the mixed blessings of greenery