Description
This paper was prepared for the conference 'Dealing with scarcity and violent conflict' held in The Hague on July 3rd and 4th, 2003. This conference, jointly organised by the Conflict Research Unit (CRU) of the Netherlands Institute of International Relations 'Clingendael' and the National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), focused on water, land and forest as an issue of contention. Moving beyond the academic debate on the link between environmental scarcity and conflict, the conference explored ways of dealing with scarcity in a peaceful manner. This paper served as a background to the presentations and discussions at the conference.
Chapter 1 explores the historical roots of the debate scarcity and conflict and introduces contemporary research initiatives. Chapter 2 focuses on the link between research and policy. Theoretical and empirical shortcomings are discussed. It is concluded that despite a number of efforts to devise indicators or mapping strategies in the field of conflict and environment, research has not so far managed to equip policy makers with adequate tools to frame their policy. Chapter 3 explores ways of dealing with scarcity in a peaceful manner. Crucial actors, approaches and dilemmas are brought to the fore. Finally, Chapter 4 draws conclusions and sums up the main issues discussed.
Information
- Author(s)
- Klem, Bart
- Publisher
- Netherlands Institute of International Relations 'Clingendael' / National Institute of International Public Health and Environment (RIVM)
- Date / journal vol no.
- October 2003
- Pages
- 41
