§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had with(a)the Conflict Prevention and Crisis Management Unit acid (b)the Policy Planning and 93W Early Warning Unit of the European Union about the links between environmental degradation, poverty, food security and conflict. [177432]
§ Hilary BennAs Secretary of State I have had no direct discussions with these Units. However, DFID officials have been working with EU officials in these areas. One important aspect of discussion has been the European Security Strategy (ESS). The ESS sets out a strategic vision for the European Union's role in tackling global security threats using the range of instruments it has available. Effective implementation of this is a key priority for the European Union.
DFID and EC Officials are actively engaged in a multi-donor Poverty-Environment Partnership that has been producing guidance; and are also working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on a Poverty-Environment Initiative that seeks innovative solutions in five developing countries.