Sustainable Land Management and Peacebuilding Initiatives

The relationship between land management and peacebuilding has gained attention in recent years. The “Ground for Peace – Land Restoration for International Peace and Security” report emphasises the role of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices and nature-based solutions (NbS) in resolving conflicts and restoring social cohesion. Released in December 2024, the report marks that effective land restoration is vital for combating desertification, ecosystem loss, and climate change, as well as encouraging global peace.

About Sustainable Land Management

Sustainable Land Management involves practices that enhance land productivity while maintaining ecosystem health. It addresses issues like soil degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. SLM aims to balance environmental health with socio-economic needs. The integration of SLM practices can prevent resource-based conflicts and promote stability within communities.

Initiatives Promoting Peace Through Land Restoration

The Peace Forest Initiative (PFI), launched by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), exemplifies efforts to implement SLM practices. The initiative targets 17 sites across 44 countries. It aims to alleviate intercommunity tensions and ensure food security. By providing technical support and funding, UNCCD seeks to achieve land degradation neutrality.

Link Between Land Degradation and Conflict

The report identifies a cyclical relationship between land degradation and conflict. Environmental degradation can lead to resource scarcity, which fuels tensions among communities. Countries like Syria and Iraq illustrate how prolonged conflicts degrade land and displace populations. Displaced individuals often resort to unsustainable practices, exacerbating land degradation.

Case Studies of Successful Interventions

Successful case studies demonstrate the potential of land restoration in peacebuilding. In Nigeria, a peace agreement between ethnic groups over resource-sharing led to improved government engagement and market access. Similarly, in Colombia, peace agreements facilitated land restoration and strengthened community ties among cocoa farmers. These examples show how integrating restoration with peace efforts can yield positive outcomes.

Challenges to Effective Land Restoration

Despite its potential, land restoration can sometimes worsen conflicts if not carefully planned. Poorly executed projects can lead to community non-cooperation. For instance, invasive species introduced in India’s Banni grasslands disrupted local livelihoods. Moreover, funding remains barrier. Less than 10% of global funding addresses land issues, despite natural resources being a major conflict driver.

Need for Funding and Political Support

The report advocates for increased funding for SLM and restoration initiatives. It suggests tapping into existing climate funds and donor organisations. Short- and long-term funding mechanisms are essential for implementing nature-based solutions at the community level. Political support is crucial for scaling up these initiatives and ensuring sustainable restoration efforts.

International Cooperation and Agreements

The report stresses the importance of international agreements in addressing land degradation as a conflict driver. Initiatives like the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration highlight the need for collaborative efforts. Technical diplomacy is vital to secure commitments and resources for land restoration and peacebuilding.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the significance of Sustainable Land Management in addressing environmental degradation and conflict.
2. Critically examine the role of international agreements in promoting land restoration as a peacebuilding strategy.
3. Explain the challenges faced in implementing land restoration projects and their impact on community relations.
4. With suitable examples, discuss how case studies of land restoration can inform future peacebuilding initiatives.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the significance of Sustainable Land Management in addressing environmental degradation and conflict.

1. SLM practices enhance land productivity while preserving ecosystem health, crucial for addressing soil degradation and biodiversity loss.
2. Effective land management can prevent resource-based conflicts by ensuring equitable access to resources among communities.
3. SLM promotes resilience against climate change, reducing vulnerabilities that often lead to conflict over scarce resources.
4. Integrating SLM within community planning encourages social cohesion and stability, mitigating tensions related to land use.
5. Global initiatives, such as the Peace Forest Initiative, demonstrate SLM’s role in restoring trust and ensuring food security.

2. Critically examine the role of international agreements in promoting land restoration as a peacebuilding strategy.

1. International agreements, like the Convention on Biological Diversity, emphasize the interconnectedness of environmental health and peace.
2. Agreements facilitate knowledge-sharing and funding for restoration initiatives, crucial for addressing land degradation and conflict.
3. Collaborative efforts, such as the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, highlight the need for a unified approach to land management.
4. International frameworks can mobilize political will and resources, essential for scaling up restoration efforts globally.
5. However, siloed approaches in existing agreements limit their effectiveness in addressing land degradation as a standalone security issue.

3. Explain the challenges faced in implementing land restoration projects and their impact on community relations.

1. Poorly planned restoration projects can exacerbate existing conflicts, leading to community non-cooperation and resistance.
2. Invasive species, like Prosopis juliflora in India, can disrupt local livelihoods, causing socio-economic distress among communities.
3. Funding constraints hinder the implementation of effective restoration initiatives, as less than 10% of global funding addresses land issues.
4. Institutional barriers, such as complex funding procedures, limit the capacity to manage large-scale restoration efforts.
5. Community involvement and consideration of local contexts are crucial to ensure successful restoration and positive relations.

4. With suitable examples, discuss how case studies of land restoration can inform future peacebuilding initiatives.

1. The peace agreement in Nigeria between Tiv and Igede ethnic groups over resource-sharing illustrates how dialogue can lead to cooperative land management.
2. In Colombia, peace agreements facilitated land restoration among cocoa farmers, promoting community cohesion and economic stability.
3. Successful interventions demonstrate that integrating land restoration with peacebuilding can yield positive outcomes and enhance community trust.
4. Case studies highlight the importance of context-specific strategies that consider local dynamics and needs for effective peacebuilding.
5. Lessons learned from these examples can guide future initiatives, emphasizing collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable practices.