Resource Library
The resources below have been developed by the EU-UNEP Partnership on Climate Change, Environment, Peace & Security and their partners.
Resources are organised according to their primary purpose (understanding key concepts; organising action; identifying risks; showcasing solutions; evaluating projects; and creating networks), but – as with the modules in the Action Toolkit – there is overlap between categories.
Click on a title to learn more and access the resources.
see also:
- Glossary
an annotated list of key terms related to climate, peace and security - Case Studies
empirically-based examples of the diverse interactions between climate, peace and security
Concepts: Understanding Interactions
Climate Change, Peace and Security: Understanding Climate-Related Security Risks Through an Integrated Lens
an e-learning course exploring climate security analysis and programmatic interventions
This online course examines the interlinkages between climate change, peace, security, and social and gender-based inclusion. The first module introduces key connections between climate change, peace, and security, highlighting the importance of applying an integrated lens to assess how gender norms and other factors of social identity affect responses. The second module employs a set of interactive case studies to share analytical tools and methods for data collection, analysis, and identification of entry points. The final module focuses on designing, implementing, and monitoring/evaluating policies, strategies, and projects that address climate-related security risks. Each module has specific learning objectives and features a mix of expert video interviews, case studies, and presentations of the latest research.
Environmental Security and Sustaining Peace
an e-learning course investigating the interactions between natural resources and armed conflict
This e-learning course provides an introduction to the roles that natural resources and the environment play in the onset, escalation, resolution of, and recovery from violent conflicts. It features four modules: (i) a course overview, (ii) natural resources and conflict causes, (iii) natural resources and the environment during armed conflict, and (iv) post-conflict environmental peacebuilding. The course is targeted to peace and security specialists, natural resource experts, sustainable development practitioners, private sector actors, and students seeking to better understand conflict-sensitive natural resource development. Course materials consist of lecture transcripts accompanied by key images, required and optional readings, and helpful toolkits.
Gender, climate and security: Sustaining inclusive peace on the frontlines of climate change
a report considering how gender-sensitive climate action can promote international and local peace and security
Climate change is a defining threat to peace and security in the 21st century—its impacts are felt by everyone, but not equally. Gender norms and power dynamics shape how women and men of different backgrounds experience or contribute to insecurity in a changing climate. Grounded in a series of case studies from research and programming experience, this report offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how gender, climate, and security are inextricably linked. The report assesses entry points for integrated action across existing global agendas and suggests concrete recommendations for how policymakers, development practitioners and donors can advance three inter-related goals: peace and security, climate action and gender equality.
A New Climate for Peace
a risk analysis of climate change as a global threat, emphasising the need for an integrated agenda
A report commissioned by G7 foreign ministries, launched in New York in June 2015. Based in part on substantive contributions by UNEP, the report identifies seven key compound climate and fragility risks that should form the basis for united action. These include local resource competition, livelihood insecurity and migration, volatile food prices and provision, transboundary water management, and unintended effects of climate change policies. The report recommends that the G7 take concrete action, both as individual members and jointly, to tackle climate-fragility risks and increase resilience to them, and led to the creation of the EU-UNEP Climate Change and Security Partnership Project.
Methods: Taking Action
Addressing Climate-Related Security Risks: Conflict Sensitivity for Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Livelihoods
a guidance note supporting the design and delivery of integrated climate-security projects
This note is targeted at actors who are working in fragile and conflict-affected settings and seeking to devise solutions to climate-related security risks. The Guidance Note’s first chapter defines a two-step approach to addressing climate-related security risks: assess interlinkages and then translate assessments into appropriately interlinked responses. It also conceptualizes how linking climate adaptation and peacebuilding will increase resilience to climate-security risks. (In short, social cohesion and inclusive and effective governance underpin capacities to cope with shocks and stresses, including violent conflict.) The second chapter provides step-by-step guidance on assessing climate-related security risks, while the third provides guidance on translating assessments into policies, strategies and actions. The final chapter highlights insights from two case studies on building resilience to climate-related security risks in West Karnali, Nepal and North Darfur, Sudan.
Addressing Climate-Related Security Risks: Toolbox
a resource package focusing on policy, strategy, and project development
This toolbox is split into four chapters. The first chapter defines fragility and climate-related security risks. The second chapter details how a climate-related project can contribute to conflict prevention, as well as why and how such projects should engage with security sector actors. The third chapter provides guidance on how to holistically plan climate adaptation interventions and implement various types climate change vulnerability assessments (e.g., explorative, focused, and participatory vulnerability assessments). The final chapter includes tools, exercises, and resources that can help put the approaches of the accompanying Guidance Note and M&E Note into practice (e.g., checklists, guiding questions, mapping and analytical tools, and data resources).
Addressing Climate-Related Security Risks: Monitoring & Evaluation Note
an applied framework assisting practitioners to effectively appraise their impact
This Monitoring & Evaluation note, which accompanies the guidance note and toolkit, considers when you should monitor, who to involve, and how to ensure M&E is conflict and gender sensitive. (During a project, M&E enables practitioners to identify challenges and adapt accordingly; after a project, it captures long-term impacts to prove the project’s sustainability and/or learn from shortfalls.) The second chapter outlines how to capture unintended and intangible impacts as well as how to measure peacebuilding and adaptation results. It also lists key lessons learned from evaluating peacebuilding and adaptation projects. The third chapter provides a conceptual framework and examples to help users develop M&E indicators.
Community Environment Action Planning: A Guide for Practitioners
a facilitation toolbox featuring sample activities for public participation in environmental management
This guide from IUCN introduces simple but effective tools for participation within institutions that aim to become more accountable. The CEAP approach empowers local communities to undertake conservation and development initiatives that fit with their unique culture and value systems. This guide has been developed with this in mind and it is organised into five chapters. Chapter 1 provides a brief background to CEAP, its evolution and benefits of engaging in participatory approaches. Chapter 2 lists the key principles s and values of CEAP. Chapter 3 describes the CEAP process in details by outlining the key steps to follow and provides a list of complementary tools that can be used to support the process. Chapter 4 captures some key lessons, while Chapter 5 describes some of the main challenges encountered in CEAP processes.
Community Environmental Action Planning: Synthesis Report
a synthesis report introducing capacity-building processes for sustained, collaborative engagement
This synthesis report on Community Environmental Action Planning (CEAP) was compiled by ProAct Network and UNEP based on practical CEAP experience in Sudan and elsewhere around the world. The report begins by introducing CEAP, a capacity-building process through which participants analyse their situation, evaluate options for change, and then plan, carry out, monitor and evaluate activities in a participatory and sustained manner. The second chapter of the report lists key characteristics of CEAP (e.g., community-led responses) and outlines a five-step plan for structuring CEAP processes. The third chapter of the report digs into the “why” and “how” of the five steps of a CEAP process: (i) Starting together, (ii) Assessing together, (iii) Planning together, (iv) Acting together, and (v) Monitoring and evaluating together. Guiding questions and assessment/planning tools are shared throughout. The final chapter of the report lists a number of important considerations to keep in mind throughout a CEAP process.
Community Environmental Action Planning: Planning Toolkit
a resource package introducing participatory tools and methods to engage communities
This toolkit describes over 30 tried and tested participatory tools and approaches for facilitating discussions and mobilising community members towards elaborating a Community Environmental Action Plan, and includes a guide for how facilitators can determine which tools to use and when. It features tools for community assessment, analysis, and planning; programming and planning; participatory evaluation and monitoring; brainstorming and prioritizing; special considerations (e.g., gender, conflict, and emergencies); and the training of trainers.
Community Environmental Action Planning: Facilitator’s Guide
a trainer toolbox providing practical assistance for community organizers
This facilitator’s guide provides an overview of how select participatory tools and approaches can be used to facilitate discussions and mobilize community members towards creating a Community Environmental Action Plan. The guide starts by detailing the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours required to facilitate CEAP. It covers who can be a CEAP facilitator and the roles of facilitators, with reference to specific tools which can be used. The next section of the report addresses how CEAP facilitators can select communities with whom to do CEAP (key elements include community willingness, logistical access, and security). The next section of the report details how to plan a session, in which several facilitation tools are used in sequence. This final section also outlines practical assistance for challenges that facilitators may encounter.
Community Environmental Action Planning: A Handbook for Practitioners in Sudan
a practical guidebook presenting tools for working with communities in climate-conflict stressed areas
This handbook provides an overview of tools and approaches that could be used by individuals, groups or organizations to plan, carry out and evaluate environmental management activities on a participatory and sustained basis, whether on their own initiative or with outside assistance. It is intended to help people to work together to address environmental issues for more sustainable livelihoods. The featured tools will be most helpful for people working directly with communities affected by environmental issues in fragile states.
Problems: Identifying Risks
Strata
a data platform tracking the intersections between environmental stresses and socioeconomic instability
Designed by UNEP and the FAO, Strata is a free, web-based, easy-to-use geospatial data platform that maps environmental, climate, security, and socioeconomic indicators. Strata provides practitioners, analysts, and policymakers with a tool to assess where and how climate and environmental risks converge with other vulnerability factors. These insights can be used for analysis, planning, and monitoring for climate action, natural resource management, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding. The Strata website includes how-to guides and potential use cases to help first-time users become familiar with the tool.
Climate-Fragility Risk Briefs
an evidence-based series of short research reports from adelphi, identifying extant threats and entrypoints
This series has been developed by the Climate Security Expert Network (CSEN), which comprises some 30 international experts based around the globe. CSEN synthesises scientific knowledge and expertise, advises on entry points for building resilience to climate-security risks, and helps to strengthen a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities of addressing climate-related security risks. The series includes briefs for specific countries (including Ethiopia, Nepal, Honduras, and more), as well as regional analyses (such as the Arctic, the Caribbean, and South Asia).
Climate-Fragility Risk Factsheets
a supplemental series highlighting key findings from the research briefs
This series has been developed by the Climate Security Expert Network (CSEN), which comprises some 30 international experts based around the globe. CSEN synthesises scientific knowledge and expertise, advises on entry points for building resilience to climate-security risks, and helps to strengthen a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities of addressing climate-related security risks. Several of the research briefs (including regional analyses of South Asia, North Africa and the Sahel, and Latin America and the Caribbean) have corresponding factsheets summarising key findings and recommendations.
Climate-Fragility Risk Podcast Episodes
discussions with authors of the research brief series discussing their work in more depth
The Climate Diplomacy Podcast gives insights into the latest developments in international climate diplomacy and security. Organised by the Climate Diplomacy programme at adelphi, the podcast interviews experts and practitioners about their take on climate foreign policy, climate-related impacts to security, and promoting peace and resilience in a changing climate. Some of the episodes, such as “South Asia on the brink: A look at climate change to help address the region’s compound fragilities”, correspond to specific Climate-Fragility Risk Briefs.
Solutions: Highlighting Best Practices
Catalogue of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Peace & Security
an online repository showcasing how nature can support peace and security outcomes
Examples of Nature-based Solutions for peace and security are organized on a solution-by-solution basis (i.e., one input = one NbS, rather than one input = one project). For each solution, the catalogue stores and shares basic solution information, spatial data, implementation details, conflict sensitivity (e.g. conflict context, peacebuilding contribution, whether a peace and security impact evaluation has taken place, etc.), solution documentation, and environmental, human security, and socio-political security tags. A decision tree helps visitors quickly find the most relevant examples for their own context/interests.
Decent Work in Nature-based Solutions
an analysis highlighting the potential of Nature-based Solutions to promote both environmental sustainability and resilient, inclusive livelihoods
The Decent Work in Nature-based Solutions 2024 report calls for increased and more targeted investments to the countries with most potential for use of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Currently, over 60 million people work globally in activities categorized as NbS, which are actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems.
Through targeted investments, NbS employment could increase by up to 32 million jobs globally. Key recommendations from the report include strengthening policy frameworks, investing in skills development, and enhancing worker productivity. The report further recommends promoting worker rights and inclusiveness in the NbS jobs and strengthening research and data collection.
Nature-based Solutions for Peace: Emerging Practice and Options for Policymakers
a project report emphasizing the value of collaborative community management over migratory routes
This policy brief responds to the growing interest in Nature-based Solutions across the globe, including in contexts affected by conflict, instability and crisis. Recognizing the wide range of positive outcomes that NbS can generate, this brief focuses on the specific link between NbS, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. Drawing on a compilation of 40 case studies, a review of relevant scholarship, and expert interviews, this brief examines how NbS approaches in fragile and conflict-affected settings have helped to reduce the risks of violent conflict or build more stable, resilient societies, and provides a set of emerging good practice in the field of “Nature-based Solutions for Peace.”
UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Flagships
a showcase library of successes in large-scale, long-term environmental remediation
The website of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 features information about the World Restoration Flagships, which are the best examples of large-scale and long-term ecosystem restoration in any country or region. The goal of these projects is to prevent, halt, and reverse the loss and degradation of ecosystems worldwide by collectively reviving billions of hectares across terrestial and aquatic ecosystems. Although countries have already promised to restore 1 billion hectares (an area larger than China), little is known about the progress or quality of this restoration. This collection of illustrative examples aims to raise awareness of this progress and inspire further action. Examples of restoration projects include an initiative in Sri Lanka to increase mangrove cover by more than 50%; improved forest management in the Mediterranean basin (the world’s second-largest biodiversity hotspot); and assistance for hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers in several African countries to fight soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
Reports
Promoting Gender-Responsive Approaches to Natural Resource Management for Peace in North Kordofan, Sudan
a project report underscoring the importance of women’s participation in climate-security action
This project was based in the Al Rahad locality in North Kordofan State, a community affected by climate-related environmental degradation and increasing conflicts over natural resources. Between July 2016 and April 2018, the area witnessed 9 violent conflicts resulting in 24 deaths. The resident population experiences feminization due to violent conflict, economically-motivated migration, and sedentarization of pastoralist groups – yet despite their increasingly significant role in natural resource management, women in these communities have generally been marginalized and have not been engaged in existing conflict resolution mechanisms that address disputes over natural resources.
This project used targeted interventions to (i) strengthen women’s economic empowerment through natural resource-based livelihoods, (ii) enhance women’s participation in resource governance through community environmental action planning, and (iii) increase women’s leadership opportunities in natural resource conflict prevention and resolution. By the end of the project, 100% of individuals surveyed in the community agreed that women had important roles and contributions with respect to conflict over natural resources – an increase from 54.5%. Female membership of the local Conflict Mitigation and Peacebuilding Center doubled during the project, and 3 out of 4 mediation processes concerning natural resources involved women as mediators. 87% of women supported by the project reported increased income. The inclusion of a research component in the project allowed for continued learning, which enabled sharpening and re-direction of interventions and generated better results.
Joint Programme on Women, Natural Resources, and Peace
the final report of an initiative advancing women’s participation in conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding
The multi-institution initiative was established to promote natural resource-based interventions as a tool for strengthening women’s participation in peacebuilding, with a particular focus on: participation in dialogue, mediation and conflict resolution efforts; particiaption in governance and decision-making at all levels; and contributions to economic record and sustainable development.
The Joint Programme sought to build the capacity of UN and other international, national, local and community peacebuilding and development actors to design, implement, replicate and upscale gender-responsive natural resource interventions, and to ensure that these are integrated in national and local planning and programming for peace and development in conflict-affected countries. This final report summarises the project’s key achievements and results, and provides an overview of the lessons learned.
Wadi El Ku Catchment Management Project
a factsheet reviewing UNEP’s integrated environment programme for Sudan
Sudan experiences frequent droughts and high rainfall variability, and its economy is heavily dependent on natural resources. With a catchment of about 27,000 square kilometers, the Wadi El Ku river is the lifeblood of the state of North Darfur. This project aims to expand and promote integrated water resources management (IWRM) and early warning systems, as well as agricultural and natural resource management and cooperation mechanisms. The overall objective is to establish climate-resilient livelihoods and reduce natural resource conflicts and displacement due to loss of livelihoods. So far, the project has used weirs, canals, and other on-farm water management systems to spread the waters of the Wadi El Ku basin more equitably and store water for dry-season cultivation. As a result, there has been a tripling of sorghum and millet yields. 70% of surveyed farmers credit the project with having increased their agricultural income. Multiple communities along the watercourse have been involved in decision-making, contributing to regional peace and stability.
Climate Change and Security Partnership Project: Final Report (March 2017 – February 2022)
an initiative summary integrating climate change adaptation with peacebuilding efforts
This project report discusses takeaways from the EU-UNEP Climate Change and Security Partnership Project, which took place between March 2017 and February 2022 in North Darfur, Sudan and the Karnali River Basin, Nepal. Among the first of its kind, this project strengthened the capacity of countries and international partners to identify and respond to environment and climate-related security risks at the global, national, and community levels. In both contexts, the projects addressed the underlying drivers of insecurity by promoting more effective and equitable management of shared natural resources. The project combined climate change adaptation with inclusive dialogue, conflict resolution, and natural resource governance. This led to three key results: (i) greater social cohesion and trust, (ii) enhanced local capacity to mediate and resolve conflicts related to natural resources, and (iii) sustainable and climate-resilient livelihood options for vulnerable groups.
Building Resilience to Climate-related Security Risks in North Darfur, Sudan
a project report emphasizing the value of collaborative community management over migratory routes
This report discusses a pilot project in West Karnali, Nepal that tested integrated approaches to addressing drivers of insecurity and building climate resilience. The project had three core objectives: (i) promote sustainable, climate-resilient livelihoods for vulnerable groups, (ii) strengthen local governance and dispute resolution capacities for natural resource management, and (iii) enhance relationships, social cohesion, and trust between communities. The project established Natural Resource Management and Peacebuilding Committees in eight villages, re-established joint management of migratory routes by farmers, pastoralists, and government, and implemented livelihood interventions. Over 70% of surveyed community members reported a decrease in the number of violent disputes over natural resources, 100% reported positive interactions related to migratory route planning, and nearly 90% reported improved relationships with the government.
Building Resilience to Climate-Related Security Risks in West Karnali, Nepal
a project report highlighting the potential of combining technical climate adaptation with community dialogue interventions
This project report discusses a pilot project in West Karnali, Nepal that tested integrated approaches to addressing drivers of insecurity and building climate resilience. Piloted under the EU-UNEP Climate Change and Security Partnership Project, this project had three core objectives: (I) promote sustainable, climate-resilient livelihoods for vulnerable groups, (ii) strengthen local governance and dispute resolution capacities for natural resource management, and (iii) enhance relationships, social cohesion, and trust between communities. The project combined governance and dialogue interventions with technical climate change adaptation activities. It also supported community-based natural resource management committees to mediate natural resource-related disputes between local communities and/or government. By the end of the project, 75% of natural resource-related disputes were reduced or resolved, and 95% of surveyed households reported improved income.
Systèmes Intégrés de Stockage et de Gestion des Eaux de Ruissellement pour l’Adaptation à la Variabilité Climatique
un rapport de projet proposant une approche visant à améliorer la disponibilité de l’eau pour les usages agricoles, pastoraux et domestiques tout en renforçant la résilience des
communautés face aux changements climatiques.
Le document s’appuie sur les expériences pilotes réalisées dans la région du Bounkani, au nord-est de la Côte d’Ivoire. Ces expériences démontrent qu’un SISGER constitue une solution techniquement viable, socialement acceptable et économiquement pertinente pour la gestion durable des eaux de ruissellement dans les zones soumises à de fortes pressions agropastorales. Le document présente également des recommandations visant à encourager la réplication et la mise à l’échelle des SISGER en tant qu’outil de résilience climatique, prenant en compte les leçons apprises et les pistes d’amélioration issues de l’analyse des expériences pilotes. Ces recommandations s’adressent aux décideurs à différents niveaux, ainsi qu’aux partenaires financiers.
EU-UNEP Partnership on Climate, Environment, Peace & Security Phase 2
an annual progress report from January – December 2025
This progress report presents the progress achieved in the implementation of the two EU-supported Actions under Phase 2 of the EU–UNEP Partnership over the period 1 January to 31 December 2025. To ensure consistency and strengthen synergies between Action 1 and Action 2, the reporting periods for both Actions have been aligned and consolidated into a single, Partnership-wide annual progress report. Accordingly, the reporting cycle for Action 1 (previously October-September) has been adjusted to align with that of Action 2 (January-December).
Networks: Connecting Knowledge
Climate, Peace and Security Community Board
a virtual noticeboard curated by a Community of Practice announcing relevant events, jobs, reports, and more
The Climate, Peace and Security Trello Board, managed by the Community of Practice on Climate, Peace and Security, is a compendium of climate, peace and security-related resources (i.e., events, news, publications, key knowledge products, training materials/opportunities, and job opportunities). It also features links to climate-related resource Trello boards created by various other UN agencies (e.g., UNDP, OCHA, etc.). Each resource has a clickable card – when you click the card, it shows a description and a link to where the resource can be found. Examples of items from the board include the UN Security Council data dashboard on Climate, Peace, and Security; the COP28 Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace; aUN CC:e-learn course on Climate Change, Peace & Security; and the UN Climate Security Mechanism’s Climate Security Toolbox.
Community of Practice on Environment, Climate, Conflict, and Peace
a facilitated network sharing ideas and collaborating on projects in support of environmental peacebuilding
Over 950 individuals and organizations make up the Community of Practice on Environment, Climate, Conflict, and Peace. Online dialogues and listservs allow members to share knowledge and resources. Over the past few years, the community has launched specific initiatives to influence policy fora and peacebuilding practice, including a White Paper on the Future of Environmental Peacebuilding and the virtual Nature Footprints gallery.
Environmental Peacebuilding Knowledge Platform
a repository of analyses, case studies, policy briefs, and more examining the intersections of environment, conflict, and peace
environmentalpeacebuilding.org hosts both the home page for the Environmental Peacebuilding Association® (EnPAx®) and the Environmental Peacebuilding Community of Practice library – a community-driven collection of analyses, guidance, policy, and other materials submitted by researchers and practitioners on peacebuilding and natural resources. Topics include data and technologies; humanitarian assistance; peace and security operations; weapons, waste, and pollution; and more.
Knowledge Platform on Gender, Natural Resources, Climate, and Peace
a collection of resources from EnPAx and the Joint Programme on Women, Natural Resources, and Peace
This web platform seeks to bring together practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and other actors to share resources on programming and research at the intersection of gender, natural resources, climate change, and peace, by serving as: a virtual resource center that shares lessons learned, case studies, and guidance accumulated through the Joint Programme; a platform that allows for exchanges between partners and stakeholders through a Community of Practice around these issues; and an advocacy and awareness-raising tool that provides access to inspiring stories, video documentaries, photographs, and other materials.