Natural Resources for Resilience and Development
Many fragile countries are rich in valuable natural resources, which, if well managed, can drive economic growth and prosperity.
More than 1.5 billion people live in conflict-affected countries. Most of these countries are rich in valuable natural resources, which, if well managed, can drive economic growth and prosperity. After achieving peace, the governments in these countries need a sustainable flow of income in order to sustain peace, reinforce statebuilding, increase resilience and provide for basic services. Increasing self-reliance is an important milestone for post-conflict countries and their natural wealth is a critical source, if managed in effective and sustainable ways.
However, weak institutional capacity to appropriate natural resources often fuels tensions between growth, conflict and sustainability, in parallel with undue interference from foreign interests or corruption practices. Countries that are rich in natural resources often fail to secure a fair share of the revenues generated by the extractive sector and other resources, suffering also from lack of investment and/or harmful practices at environmental and social levels. In some cases, including in richer countries, the “resource curse” has aggravated social and political conflicts, as well as indebtedness and increased social and regional inequalities. Countries are often trapped within a vicious circle in which they are simultaneously rich and poor.
A sustainable, transparent, inclusive and effective governance of natural resources such as water/oceans, land and commodities (minerals, oil) is crucial for countries with fragilities. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes in several ways, including under SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, the importance of achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources However, achieving these goals is a complex endeavour as it depends upon political, economic and security factors, local, regional and global, that should be further analysed and discussed.
SPEAKERS
VIDEOS
Opening
Panel | Resilience, Development and Fragility
Keynote speech | Paul Collier
Governance and Sustainability of Natural Resources
Closing
Interview with Paul Collier
GALLERY
