Natural Resources and Conflict
Publisher: Helvetas
Date: 2008
Topics: Conflict Causes, Governance, Programming, Renewable Resources
Land, water, forests and livestock as well as marine life are means of production, wealth and primary sources of income for a good part of the population of developing countries. In many cases natural resources are considered common goods or are utilized by several users. Resource management always involves cooperation but also different – often competing – interests. Drawing on experiences in more than 18 countries, HELVETAS learned that any complex management of natural resources will likely have to address the issues of ownership of natural resources, allocation of power to manage and control natural resources, and the sharing of natural-resource benefits. Conflicts are therefore inevitable and a necessary part of the development process as well as an inherent part of many political contexts. To prevent violent conflicts, assess risks and to foster adaptation as well as innovation, we advocate for increased analysis of power relations and rights that influence resource management in different settings. Evidence shows that good analysis and subsequent measures allow projects to increase their impact and contribute to conflict prevention.