The need to draw the necessary political attention to environmental security to prevent conflict, instability and unrest prompted the design in 2002 of the Institute's work programme.

This is an integrated programme encompassing the disciplines of science, diplomacy, international law, finance and education. It aims to provide policy-makers with a methodology and the policy tools to tackle environmental security risks in time in order to safeguard essential conditions for sustainable development.

The aim of this programme is to create an array of practical decision tools, strategic maps and initial policy recommendations for decision makers in government, the private sector and NGOs on supporting people's livelihoods that depend on globally significant ecosystems.

• Environmental Security for Poverty Alleviation

The IES programme on Climate Change and International Security was launched in follow up to the conference "From Bali to Poznan - New Issues, New Challenges" organised by the Institute in Brussels in December 2007.

• Climate Change and International Security

Working especially with Members of the European Parliament, the aim is to promote the forging and implementation of an integrated strategy for environment, sustainable development and security - or the better inclusion of environmental security aspects in the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, European Security Strategy and European Sustainable Development Strategy.

• Greening European Security

This programme has been set up to provide an overview of strategies and initiatives of selected governments, international organisations and inter-governmental organisations

• Inventory of Environment and Security Policies and Practices