Forest Trends peace

A study by Forest Trends, recipient of the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, suggests that the failure of peace agreements is largely due to the lack of natural resource management. The report finds that resources such as oil, gas, timber and diamonds have become a significant factor in armed conflicts and can lead to the eradication of peace agreements. To avoid natural resources fueling further conflict, they must not be viewed solely as a commodity or winnings from war, the study finds. Resources are vitally important to local livelihoods, and carry high cultural, social, and ecosystem value that peace agreements must recognize.