A conceptual framework for conflict resolution Before examining the various techniques and their appropriateness in resolving the conflicts that arise in coastal areas, it is necessary to examine the nature of conflict and the circumstances in which it arises, as well as the meaning of, and justification for, conflict resolution.
Conflicts are multidimensional and frequently involve complex interactions between many parties.
The environmental dimension will be added to each of these. The interaction between the actors is frequently crucial in determining the terms on which the conflict will be resolved, if it is resolved. As discussed in Part A, activities in the coastal area may be characterized as synergistic, complementary, competitive or antagonistic. Such conflicts arise primarily from competing and conflicting claims over the allocation of, or access to, natural resources, both within and between the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors, and between these and other sectors in the coastal area, such as industry or tourism. The resource in respect of which the conflict arises may have certain objective characteristics that will have an important bearing on the resolution of the conflict.