Mitigation and adaptation: Managing forest conflicts in the context of climate change for the ASEAN region
Background
Climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts can increase the risk for conflict over forests and land: new policies and governance measures promote various changes that can affect tenure arrangements and rights. As a result of these measures, and linked with a general push to reduce deforestation and forest degradation through the REDD+ initiative, more claims over forests and land are being made. This trend is likely to continue as REDD+ develops.
Local communities, governments, companies, and non-governmental organizations often have very different and sometimes clashing views as to how resources should be managed and used. This means that conflict in its many forms is often an inevitable part of natural-resource-related work. Forestry and natural resource professionals are increasingly called upon to help manage complex conflict situations. Having the skills and knowledge to effectively undertake such a role is essential.
Programme
This five day course explores this nexus of forestry and conflict management in the context of climate change. Putting people at the heart of forest management, it aims to build the capacity of forest sector stakeholders and conflict management practitioners to prevent and manage conflict in support of community forestry development.
The course will be built around the following pillars: understanding the context of conflict in community forestry in Southeast Asia; defining and analyzing conflicts and the risks for conflict from climate change, including adaptation and mitigation; development of alternative approaches to conflict management; and increasing capacity in negotiation and mediation. A wide range of methods will be used, including case studies, group discussions, role-play, expert inputs, and a field visit.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course, participants can:
• Explain the scope and nature of conflicts regarding natural resource management, including impacts of climate change mitigation and adaptation;
• Analyze natural resource management conflict;
• Assess options and strategies in conflict management;
• Develop strategies for managing conflict and options presented by mitigation and adaptation measures for conflict management;
• Communicate, mediate, and negotiate to build longlasting agreements.