Natural Resource Management in Post Conflict Countries [PTP.2012.07F]
Natural resources can play a central role in building sustainable peace in post-conflict societies. The root causes of many conflicts are directly related to or fuelled by valuable natural resources, and the transition to peace in fragile post-conflict societies often requires careful consideration of natural resource management. Using case studies, the course focuses on how resources can be managed to eliminate conflict risks and potential obstacles to peace, and draws attention to how natural resource management can support peacekeeping, broader peacebuilding interventions, confidence-building measures, and overall state building.
The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the role natural resources play in conflict environments, illustrating both positive and negative situations where natural resources have an impact on a conflict and – conversely - how the environment is impacted by conflict. The course also explores the different methods for using natural resources as entry points for building peace and strengthening governance, before giving an overview of how natural resources can be integrated into community recovery programmes. Finally, it looks at the technologies, practices and habits that can be implemented to ensure that peacekeeping missions have a minimal impact on the local environment.
- Describe how natural resources can contribute to or prolong conflict as well as undermine peace;
- Identify the principles for effective post-conflict natural resources management;
- Relate natural resources management to other post-conflict stabilization and state building interventions;
- Explain how peacekeeping missions can benefit from green technologies and practices for water, energy and waste.
- Module 1: From conflict to peacebuilding: the role of natural resources and the environment
- Module 2: Dealing with conflict resources: getting mandates, monitoring and management right
- Module 3: More effective community recovery programmes: capitalizing on natural resource opportunities
- Module 4: A lighter footprint: increasing the self-reliance and reducing the impact of peace operations