Thia paper provides a statement of outcomes from the COP17 High-Level Panel Discussion, Durban, South Africa, 6 December 2011. For the African continent to deal with potential security implications of climate change, regional cooperation and international outreach are important, and this paper highlights reommendations coming out of the Panel discussion:

regional approaches and transboundary benefit sharing are important, while addressing issues of human rights and reviewing laws that govern transboundary resources

there is a need for developing continental positions on climate change diplomacy

an integrated approach and maximum effort is needed based on the premise that science is essential but not enough: science should inform policy and decision making, and politics drive the process

threat-minimising approaches should be adopted through integrated adaptation strategies

balance the clear need for one African voice in international dialogue while actively including the multiple voices at the continental level
act on the basis that climate-related insecurity is a current rather than a future problem