3 May 2016: The good governance of natural resources can help bring economic development, health and peace to post-conflict countries, according to a study released by the UN and partners. The report finds that post-conflict peacebuilding and good governance of natural resources offers societies a chance to: make governance structures more effective, efficient and equitable; strengthen economies and livelihoods; support the reestablishment of basic service delivery and security; and improve cooperation and legitimacy.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), the University of Tokyo and McGill University produced the book, which draws on the expertise of over 70 researchers, diplomats, military personnel and practitioners. It features 39 chapters on the theory, practice and reality of post-conflict and natural resource governance in 50 conflict-affected countries and territories around the world, including lessons from past and ongoing peacebuilding efforts.

‘Governance, Natural Resources, and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding’ explores how to effectively and equitably govern natural resource use and convert natural resource revenues into the jobs, public service and infrastructure necessary to build and sustain peace. The book approaches peace as a state of affairs that must be sustained through investments in education and human development, strong institutions and prosperity.

Governance failures can jeopardize the role of natural resources in sustaining people and peace in post-conflict countries, according to the study. It stresses that commitment and persistence by government, civil society and the international community can improve natural resources governance and help ensure that they contribute to positive outcomes rather than corruption, crime or a return to violence.

“Understanding the nexus between governance and natural resources is crucial to the recovery of post-conflict countries,” UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said. He elaborated, “This study makes it clear that, while natural resources offer the opportunity for growth in post-conflict situations, their exploitation must be accompanied by capable, accountable institutions that manage natural wealth in a transparent and inclusive manner.”

Carl Bruch, Director of International Programs, ELI, Carroll Muffett, President, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), and Sandra S. Nichols, an environmental and natural resources attorney, edited the book. The Government of Finland, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Union (EU), the Center for Global Partnership of the Japan Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation and the Compton Foundation provided financial support. [UNEP Press Release] [UN Press Release] [ELI Press Release]