Conflict management

Training background:

RECOFTC and FAO have been collaborating for many years in the field of conflict management. Between 2000 and 2002, they jointly developed a comprehensive training package on Community-Based Forest Resource Conflict Management.

This international training course is based on the further development of this training package and is another joint initiative of both organizations to contribute to capacity building in managing conflicts in SE Asia.

Training Objectives:

To increase participants understanding and knowledge on:

• How natural resource conflicts can affect (positively and negatively) collaborative natural resource management and sustainable livelihoods;
• Characteristics and dynamics of natural resource related conflicts and why they arise;
• Different responses and approaches to conflict (including customary, legal and alternative approaches to conflict management);
• Different negotiation styles and their inherent advantages and disadvantages;
• Principles and process of consensual negotiation and it’s scope of application;
• The role of a third party (mediator) and how a mediator can assist consensual negotiations

Main participants:

11 forestry and natural resource management professionals from six countries who work on participatory/collaborative natural resource management and rural livelihood projects.

Training Process and Design:

The 14 days course incorporated lectures from experienced RECOFTC and FAO trainers and invited specialists in the field of conflict management combined with a range of participatory activities, specific case study materials and participants’ own experiences. Central to the learning outcomes of the course was a five-day field visit to a ‘live’ conflict where participants had the unique opportunity to observe and explore the many dimensions of natural resource conflict and assess strategies for managing it. The design of the course involved participants in a process of ongoing critical reflection, allowing them to link the course contents with their own experiences and apply conflict management techniques in their daily work. The development of a personalized ‘action plan’ is an important part of integrating the conflict training into the participants work environment and provide direction for the participant to achieve their desired outcomes.