FOREWORDThis document is a result of discussions and deliberations by the Standing Research Panel on Environment and Security of the Canadian Global Change Program (CGCP). One of the mandates of the Research Panel was to prepare an issues document that included (a) a brief overview of the issues and current state of knowledge in the research area, in this case the linkage between the environment and security; (b) an overview of the current state of and plans for Canadian research in the discipline or area; and (c) recommendations, with priorities, for further Canadian research. The issues paper includes all these components, along with a listing of international organizations involved in research and a comprehensive bibliography. The Standing Panel on Environment and Security has met on three occasions over the past three years. First, a general meeting was held in Ottawa and attended by all of the members (see the list of initial members of the Panel attached to this document). Second, a meeting that involved half the membership (all were invited to participate) — along with other invited guests — to discuss two priority research areas identified in the previous meeting was held in Ottawa in July, 1992. Third, informal meetings were held as part of the International Summer Institute on Environmental Degradation, Population Displacement, and Global Security in August, 1992, in Whistler, British Columbia. These discussions were supplemented by contact among Panel members throughout the three years and through the research activities of individuals. This resulting discussion document reflects the extent and direction of the discussions at these meetings and ongoing research in Canada at universities, within the government and by private individuals. The document includes an verview of the current state of knowledge, a set of recommendations and priorities for future research, a listing of international organizations — and some individuals — involved in research on environment and security and a detailed bibliography. As is apparent from the document, Canadian researchers have taken a leading role in identifying and investigating the links between environment and security, establishing networks and cooperative research ventures and in promoting this area of investigation. This research continues, in part owing to the discussions stimulated by the Research Panel and the activities of the Panel members. However, it is likely that this document fails to identify one or more organizations directly involved in environment and security work, or overlooks certain publications in the field, and for this, I apologize. It should, however, serve as a useful document to guide present and future researchers working in the field, as well as an indication of the usefulness of CGCP Standing Panels in promoting interdisciplinary research in the human dimensions of global change. Dr. Steve Lonergan Chair, Standing Panel on Environment and Security University of Victoria |