Environmental factors such as climate change, floods and droughts can be push factors for migration. They can result in seasonal migratory flows that can be anticipated or they can be unforeseen environmental disasters that require rapid responses. Botswana is vulnerable to severe droughts, floods and fires. Periodic flooding has resulted in communities living on otherwise dry riverbeds becoming temporarily displaced. In addition, migration itself can have negative environmental impacts if not appropriately managed.

a) Policy Statement: To manage the linkages between migration and environment and mitigate their negative effects, in particular the forced displacement of people as a result of environmental disasters. b) Policy Objectives: To prevent and mitigate the negative impact of migration on the environment. To minimize forced migration resulting from environmental disasters and promote migration as a positive adaptation strategy. c) Strategies: Conduct a regular review of the National Disaster Risk Management Plan. Continue to pursue strategies to increase preparedness, response and early warning systems. Invoke early warning systems for anticipating environmental disasters likely to trigger forced migration. Consider initiatives to integrate persons displaced by environmental disasters into rural development policies. Develop a national adaptation plan, which integrates migration, environment and climate change into adaptation planning. Commission research on the impact of migration on the environment and more generally on the different aspects of the nexus between migration, environment and climate change. Integrate principles of environmental sustainability into migration management policies. Promote interagency collaboration between ministries and agencies responsible for environment and migration management. In particular, include the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism and the National Disaster Management Office in the National Migration Policy Technical Committee. Initiate regional mechanisms for environmental protection in the face of growing migration. Ensure protection of fragile environments through the sustainable use of public utilities and infrastructure. Consider longer-term initiatives into renewable energy.