This publication includes case studies from over 30 countries and examines key challenges faced by post-conflict countries in peacefully and sustainably developing natural resources, while avoiding environmental degradation.
It is the first of a seven-volume series on the topic.
15 November 2011: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a study titled “High-Value Natural Resources and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding,” the first of a seven-volume series on post-conflict peacebuilding and natural resource management.
Published by UNEP along with the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), the University of Tokyo and McGill University, the study includes case studies from over 30 countries that examine challenges faced by post-conflict countries in peacefully and sustainably developing natural resources, while avoiding environmental degradation. Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, said the research would assist in the transition towards low-carbon, resource efficient green economies in post-conflict nations, “and thus contribute to stability, peace, recovery and sustainable development.”
The study highlights four recommended areas for international support: assisting post-conflict countries to secure better contracts with companies extracting natural resources; increasing the transparency of contracts, payments and decision making; supporting the monitoring of companies that are extracting natural resources; and encouraging strategic planning for and accountability in using the revenues from natural resources to provide immediate peace dividends to war-torn populations, through investment in infrastructure, health, education and economic diversification. [UNEP Press Release]