European Tropical Forest Research Network

Dear readers,

Forests and conflicts: a theme that merits all the attention it is currently receiving, and more. While there is much international debate on security and governance issues, sustainable management of natural resources appears to be a less hot issue. The articles in this special edition of the ETFRN News show that the two are in fact closely linked.

As David Kaimowitz, our guest editor, states in his introduction (page 5), international recognition of the problem of armed conflict in forested regions has grown rapidly over the past five years, and studies on the topic have covered different aspects:

• the role of natural resources in contributing to armed conflict;
• the impact of armed conflict on forests and forest dwelling people, as well as on conservation and forestry efforts;
• best practices for conservation and forest management in contexts of conflict or potential conflict;
• post-conflict situations.

Several authors argue that natural resources such as forests are essential for post conflict reconstruction of societies. This would for instance mean that peacekeeping operations should include activities to rehabilitate and promote sustainable management of these resources. Sorting out the different claims on forest resources, and facilitating local agreements on sustainable management, use and responsibilities may assist in stabilizing peace ‘on the ground’, even when it may be fragile at higher levels.

There is evidence that community forestry, clear agreements on roles and responsibilities, enforcement of these agreements, and negotiation processes addressing marginalization and discrimination of certain groups may also assist in preventing violent conflict in forest areas. Still, none of these measures should be seen as a panacea.

There is much to be done, in conflict prevention, solutions, and post-conflict reconstruction. Hopefully, this special edition of the ETFRN news will contribute. I would like to thank David Kaimowitz for suggesting this important theme, and for generously spending time to guest edit this issue.

The financial support from the Netherlands Department for International Cooperation (DGIS) and the UK Department for International Development (DFID), and the in-kind support from Tropenbos International and CIFOR for the production of this edition are gratefully acknowledged.

Kindest regards,
Willemine Brinkman, ETFRN coordinator

Please note that the views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the sponsors’ views.

ETFRN News is a publication of the European Tropical Forest Research Network and has a ciruculation of 4,000 copies. Texts may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes citing the source.