This May, the EastWest Institute released a report entitled ”Enhancing Security in Afghanistan and Central Asia through Regional Cooperation on Water”. It focuses on transboundary water management of the Amu Darya River with regard to climate change, and also addresses livelihood implications for the population in the Aral Sea basin.



A new documentary by Marc and Nick Francis, “When China Met Africa”, explores the renewed partnership between China and African countries. By taking a grass-roots perspective, it provides impressive insights into the Chinese endeavour to exploit African natural resources, particularly land.



In a new series called “Choke point: China”, Circle of Blue and the China Environment Forum investigate the implications of steadily rising energy demand in China. According to their findings, clashes over water are likely to emerge as a consequence.



International Alert has released a new practice note on conflict-sensitive land policy and land governance in Africa. The practice note stresses the importance of a conflict-sensitive approach to land issues, particularly in conflict-prone or conflict-affected areas. Moreover, it offers guidelines for the implementation of these policies.



The University of Massachusetts has issued a call for abstracts for its conference on oceans, climate, and security set to take place in May 2012. Potential abstract topics include forced migration, disaster preparedness, food security implications of ocean acidification, and climate risk insurance, among others. The submission deadline is 15 September 2011.

Published in: ECC-Newsletter, 3/2011