Natural resources such as land, water, oil, gas, forests, and livestock are highly prized commodities that are essential for human survival and well-being. They represent a means of livelihood for many people, especially in the global south, and are crucial for the functioning of economies and societies around the world.
However, with population growth, industrialization, and global warming, these resources are becoming increasingly scarce. As a result, competition for them is intensifying, sometimes leading to conflicts over their control and use. The scarcity of natural resources has been linked to a range of conflicts, including civil wars, inter-state disputes, and localized violence.
In this context, the KOFF members address the indirect relationship between the scarcity of natural resources and violent conflicts and share their views on the diverse possibilities to respond to this type of conflict. They explore various approaches to addressing the root causes of natural resource-related conflicts, ranging from promoting responsible business conduct in the extractives sector to supporting climate change mitigation projects, conflict sensitivity in environmental peacebuilding, and protecting environmental human rights defenders.
I wish you a pleasant read.
Sanjally Jobarteh, Editor of KOFF magazine
By publishing the à propos magazine, the Swiss platform for peacebuilding KOFF creates a medium for its members and partners to communicate about their experiences and perspectives. The articles of this magazine reflect the views of the authors only and not those of KOFF or swisspeace.