Managing conflicts over resources and values: Continental coasts

Abstract

The statement ‘Competition for limited resources and space makes coastal regions flashpoints for conflict’ summarizes the reasons for holding an inter-regional workshop on conflict resolution in Maputo, Mozambique from 19–23 November 2001. Participants from African, Asian, European and South American regions met for five days to discuss ways to manage conflicts over coastal resources and values in continental coastal areas. A variety of case studies dealing with coastal conflicts in urban and industrial sites, as well as rural and protected areas, were discussed. Recognizing that conflict cannot be fully prevented or resolved, the goal is to reduce conflict to a manageable level. The first step in any resolution process is to describe the nature and cause of the conflict. Despite the wide variety of cases, some common themes emerged. These related to the movement of large numbers of people into and out of coastal areas; the psychological scars left by war and political turmoil; and the role of local communities, particularly those involved in extractive industries, in protected areas.