The Second Symposium on Desertification and Migration has recommended a number of steps to address the interrelationship between these issues, including pursuing a new research agenda and initiatives.

The 25-27 October 2006 Symposium, which convened in Almeria, Spain, was opened by the Queen of Spain. It was organized in the framework of the International Year of Deserts and Desertification and was attended by over 150 participants from more than 40 countries, including four Ministers of Environment. Participants recommended that studies be undertaken on the socio-environmental conditions in areas where emigration and immigration take place along with the broader causes and consequences of migration, to gain a better understanding of possible adjustment measures. Proposed initiatives included proposals to: promote the International Expert Panel to Fight against Desertification; invest in efforts to fight desertification; and invest in renewable energies to eradicate the causes of anthropogenic climate change, particularly by the EU. Participants noted that Spain has experienced the greatest impact from desertification and migration of all the EU countries, and suggested that it develop a research body to create policies on the interrelationship between desertification and migration. They also suggested that an initiative between Spain, México and Germany to cooperate on research on climatic change, desertification, migration and renewable energy could be reflected in the OECD framework.
Link to further information
Second Symposium on Desertification and Migration website