Environment

Environment can Play a Greater Role in Sustainable World Peace: UN Report

Dec 16, 2013 4:45 PM ET
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VIKAS VIJ

(3BL Media/Justmeans) – A new joint report released by the UN Development Program (UNDP) and the UN Environment Program (UNEP) says that the environment and natural resources can play an important role in promoting sustainable peace in many conflict-ridden countries around the world. The report urges governments and partners to integrate natural resource management in post-conflict re-integration programs.

The report says that inclusion of natural resources in peace-building efforts can help reduce potential conflicts, such as disputes over land and water. It can also lead to the creation of green jobs for former soldiers. The report, ‘The Role of Natural Resources in Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration – Addressing Risks and Seizing Opportunities’, also points out that natural resource management and distribution can be a part of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programs of the UN.

Jordan Ryan, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, said that it is important to help former fighters and their communities to turn existing natural resources into economic opportunities in order to re-build their lives after a conflict. Proper management of natural resources such as minerals, oils, gas and timber can be an effective part of a well thought-out peace process.

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Vikas is a staff writer for the Sustainable Development news and editorial section on Justmeans. He is an MBA with 20 years of managerial and entrepreneurial experience and global travel. He is the author of "The Power of Money" (Scholars, 2003), a book that presents a revolutionary monetary economic theory on poverty alleviation in the developing world. Vikas is also the official writer for an international social project for developing nations "Decisions for Life" run in collaboration between the ILO, the University of Amsterdam and the Indian Institute of Management.