What is the Interactive Map (i-Map)?
The i-Map is a support instrument aimed at facilitating the creation of a common understanding on migration issues based on evidence by providing in-depth analyses of the situation in a given region. - The i-Map has two interfaces: a public one, displaying migration routes and flows as well as general information, and a secured one, containing detailed information restricted to representatives of Partner States and Partner Agencies; - Thematically, the i-Map is articulated around 3 layers: irregular migration, legal migration and migration and development. The layer being currently developed is on irregular migration, the two other layers are in a planning phase; - Geographically, the i-Map can be developed for any region of the world. Currently, it covers Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean; - According to the region covered, the content will be available in the main working languages. Arabic, English and French are the languages of the current i-Map. The i-Map was created within the framework of the Dialogue on Mediterranean Transit Migration (MTM). In 2007, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) developed the interactive map concept in collaboration with Europol and Frontex with the aim to support States better manage mixed migration and to foster international cooperation. The i-Map on irregular migration in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean Region covers the 37 Arab and European Partner States of the MTM Dialogue and provides analyses on key aspects of mixed migration as well as a visualisation of routes and flows. Topics addressed are: i) interception and apprehension, including the analysis of irregular flows; ii) smuggling and trafficking activities; iii) reception and detention/retention of irregular migrants; iv) asylum and protection issues; and v) return and readmission. Three levels of analysis are available: regional (migration routes), national (country profiles) and local (migration hubs). Information is collected from MTM Partner States and complemented by open sources. On this particular i-Map, Partner Agencies are: ICMPD (lead), Europol, Frontex, INTERPOL, UNODC, UNHCR and the Odysseus Academic Network. These expert international organisations or agencies play a key role in ensuring the accuracy and quality of the information provided. Target users are analysts, operatives (e.g. law enforcement officers and border guards) and decision makers. Information provided is aimed at supporting target users in their work linked to research, analysis and forward planning. The i-Map underlines the regional context within which policies or actions are being implemented and supports policy evaluation. The i-Map concept was elaborated in 2007 with funding from Switzerland. In 2008, Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland, as members of the Project Steering Committee, decided the fund the development of a new version. The new version was officially put online on 15 September 2008 at www.imap-migration.org. Plans to ensure sustainability of the instrument for 2009 and 2010 are under way, notably with an application for funding under the European Commission’s Thematic Programme for Cooperation with Third Countries in the Fields of Migration and Asylum. For further information on the i-Map, its funding and development in other areas, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Julien Simon, i-Map Programme Manager (Email: julien.simon@icmpd.org; Tel: +43 1 50 44 677 47; Fax: +43 1 50 44 677 75).
September 2008