A/67/299 changing environments. If properly managed, migration can therefore also be a solution to cope with climate change. 89. Examples abound in which migration has provided benefits to both countries of origin and countries of destination. Appropriate programmes of permanent or circular migration may enhance a community’s resilience through diminishing pressure on local environmental resources and fostering development through remittances. This has traditionally been the case of agricultural workers. One has witnessed “reverse migration” movements, where the migrants of the previous generation return to the country of origin in order to create businesses, or training centres, in their field of acquired expertise. Despite potential contrarian effects, remittances may play another important role in the economy of many countries of origin: valued at more than three times the total amount of official development aid ($351 million in 2011), they can assist households to survive in the country of origin during difficult times, thus limiting migratory pressure by allowing economic opportunities to be created at home. Therefore, some degree of planned and proactive migration of individuals or groups may ultimately allow households and populations to remain in situ for longer. IV. Conclusions and recommendations 90. The global climate is already changing, and will continue to do so. The related impacts of these transformations, while not able to be precisely predicted, will certainly be far reaching, and have an impact on a wide range of human rights. In particular, climate change has significant implications regarding migration patterns and movements. 91. The Special Rapporteur recognizes that while no place will be protected from the impacts of climate change, already fragile environments are most vulnerable, including in particular, megadeltas, small island developing States, low-lying coastal zones, arid areas, polar regions, and places affected by sudden and extreme natural disasters. Particular groups living in these high-risk areas may thus be more affected than others, as will societies that are highly dependent on the environment for their subsistence needs. However, vulnerabilities may be exacerbated by political and social factors, with specific groups such as women, children, minority groups and indigenous peoples, often particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. 92. In this context, States must collectively recognize that migration is part of the solution to global environmental challenges, and planned and facilitated migration policies are legitimate coping mechanisms that may ease individuals, groups and communities out of situations of vulnerability. Moreover, States should recognize that territorial sovereignty should never be a permanent obstacle to migration when it has been determined that international migration is an appropriate coping mechanism. 93. The Special Rapporteur thus notes that coordinated international cooperation on climate-change-induced migration will be required in order to devise appropriate responses to the needs of affected populations. With a view to assisting States in the development of appropriate responses, the Special Rapporteur makes the following recommendations: 22 12-46071