Strengthening Capacity for Conflict-Sensitive Natural Resource Management
Publisher: United Nations Interagency Framework Team for Preventive Action
Date: 2012
Topics: Conflict Prevention, Monitoring and Evaluation, Programming
The management of land and natural resources is one of the most critical challenges facing developing countries today. The exploitation of high-value natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals and timber has often been cited as a key factor in triggering, escalating or sustaining violent conflicts around the globe. Furthermore, increasing competition over diminishing renewable resources, such as land and water, are on the rise. This is being further aggravated by environmental degradation, population growth and climate change. The mismanagement of land and natural resources is contributing to new conflicts and obstructing the peaceful resolution of existing ones.
To improve capacity for land and natural resource management (NRM) and conflict prevention, the EU partnered with the UN Framework Team in late 2008. The aim of this partnership was to develop and implement a strategic multi-agency project focused on building the capacity of national stakeholders, the UN system, and the EU to prevent land and natural resources from contributing to violent conflict. Six UN agencies, programmes or departments have been involved, including UNDESA, UNDP, UNEP, UN-HABITAT, DPA and PBSO. The partnership is also designed to enhance policy development and programme coordination between key actors at the level of country offices.