Natural Resources as Instruments for Social Cohesion and Peace Building

Abstract

Environmental challenges are amongst the most urgent topics on the international development agenda. The issue of natural resource- induced conflicts is not unique to Africa but rather a global challenge. Natural resources by themselves are inherently neutral and  apolitical. However, the management systems and associated competing interests amongst core stakeholders determine the role of natural resources as triggers of conflict or instruments of peace building. It is thus imperative that stakeholders can access adequate  technical information and training to enable them take informed decisions on the sustainable usage of natural resources. This study  employed the review of literature to investigate the role of natural resources as instruments of peace building and social cohesion. The  study findings indicate the sidelining of core actors in the development of natural resources, causing them to resort to violence. One  viable approach is to mix indigenous knowledge and customs with workable exogenous frameworks to facilitate effective management of natural resources conflict. Natural resource-based conflicts can also be mitigated by promoting and adhering to the principles of good  governance, especially regarding participation, non-discrimination, transparency, accountability, legitimacy and legality. By embracing  approaches towards equitable and efficient natural resource management, conflict-stricken communities can attain long-term peace and  economic stability. In a majority of cases, conflicts regarding natural resources begin at the local level and need to be addressed at this  level by engaging relevant actors in the conflict management process. In this regard, traditional community-based processes are seen as  ideal to local contexts and are hence more readily embraced by communities.