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This paper introduces the theoretical concept of perceived resource access security in order to assess the link between natural resource scarcity and interstate conflict. It develops the hypothesis that resource access through international trade is an important determinant for conflict behaviour of states arising from resource concerns, implying a shift in focus away from endowments and towards competition for access. The main analysis is conducted in the form of a unit fixed effects logistic regression covering country-dyads of the period 1962–2010 with military interstate dispute (MID) initiation as dependent variable. The empirical findings consistently demonstrate that a diversified position in resource supply networks mitigates the conflict propensity of states characterized by outside dependence for access to natural resources, and thereby help to determine conditions under which trade reduces conflict.

Seit dem Juni 1998 besteht in Guinea-Bissau ein Bürgerkriegszustand. Die vorliegende Studie beschreibt zwei Aspekte der seitdem in diesem Lande bestehenden Gesellschafts- und Staatskrise: die Frage der Ethnizität und die der natürlichen Ressourcen. Beide sind Teile der "afrikanischen Krise" insgesamt. Für den Konflikt ist - für afrikanische Verhältnisse - das Fehlen radikaler ethnischer Feindbilder, wie z.B. im Konflikt von Ruanda, bemerkenswert. Auch der Krieg hat bisher nicht zum Zerfall der Gesellschaft nach ethnischen Kriterien geführt. Erschreckend ist jedoch die zunehmende Militarisierung der Zivilbevölkerung. Für die Frage der Nutzung der natürlichen Ressourcen und eine nachhaltige Entwicklung wird die Sicherung des Bodenbesitzes von entscheidender Bedeutung sein. Zu den Sicherungsfaktoren gehören daher nicht nur eigentumsrechtliche Regelungen, sondern auch die machtpolitische Stärkung lokaler Autonomie gegenüber der Regierung in der Hauptstadt Bissau. (ICA)

This paper examines resource-related conflict among pastoralists in southern Ethiopia, specifically the Somali and Oromo ethnic groups. It applies theories of property rights, environmental security and political ecology to discuss the complexity of the conflict, using narrative analysis and conflict mapping. Results reveal that the conflict results from interrelated cultural, ecological and political factors. The systems of governance, including the setting up of regions on an ethnic basis and associated competition for land and control of water-points, have contributed to violent conflict between the two ethnic groups. The creation of new administrative units (kebeles) close to regional boundaries has exacerbated the conflict. Moreover, change in land use, prompted by insecure property rights to communal land, rather than expected increase in economic benefits has caused conflicts among the clans of the Oromo. The findings suggest Ethiopian authorities support the functioning of traditional access options, successful operation of customary courts and penalising opportunistic actors to address inter-ethnic conflicts. Applying land use and administration guidelines and empowering customary authorities would reduce the incidence of inter-clan conflict.

The options listed above provide the basis for the solutions to the problem of conflict between proposed mine development and heritage resources. There must, of course, be adequate funds allocated so that such options can be exercised; there must be adequate lead time provided; an adequate legislative base to ensure that the various options can be exercised; and a willingness on both the developer's and the resource manager's side to cooperate toward achieving these goals. In terms of reclamation, there are in fact some means by which the mine developer can provide for a legacy of heritage resources that might be physically destroyed by mining operations. These are, however, entirely contingent upon the procedures and options outlined above and may include one or more of the following: 1) A small museum facility, interpretive or a historic reconstruct ion centre can be provided in the area of the development to present displays relating to heritage resources and objects identified during the various assessment and mitigation stages. 2) Information boards and historic site markers can be erected to identify and interpret heritage values within the development area. 3) Published information in the form of pamphlets and books can be produced whose contents and impact would be much the same as an interpretive centre. 4) Archaeological and historic investigations in the development area during the assessment and mitigation stages quite often have a positive effect upon local residents. Such projects have often provided the impetus for the formation of historical societies in local areas. 5) The long-term potential for increased tourism to areas that have developed heritage resources in ways as described above, is excellent. Lastly, it should not be forgotten that all or any of the above actions or consequences of a well-planned program of heritage conservation can be of great value to a developer in terms of public relations and the image of the developer in the eyes of government and public. ; Non UBC ; Unreviewed ; Other

In response to the vast and growing literature on resource conflicts, this article aims to make two contributions. First, it proposes the concept of resource scale as a way to highlight the multifaceted environmental resources that are often involved in conflict. Following a discussion of the concept of scale, it then considers the characteristics and conditions set by resource location and how these factors influence scale complexity along three dimensions: place, actors and relations between those actors. Second, it discusses how an understanding of natural resource scale clarifies how people, places, and resource usage are connected to one another. Adapted from the source document.

The research setting and conducting research "at home" -- The commodity chain of river sand and the ecological consequences of river-sand mining -- Government policies and the commodification of river sand -- State ownership and the governmental management of river sand -- Zhuang Villages' perspectives on property rights : "this is our sand" -- The sociocultural consequences of illegal sand mining and local resistance.