Development models are needed which acknowledge conflict as a potential obstacle to sustainable development but that manage the negative excesses of conflict and transform it into a positive force. This Overseas Development Institute paper examines the problem of non-violent conflict and disputes as a constraint to sustainable natural resource management at the community level in Fiji and Papua New Guinea. To renegotiate the role of government and private structures in transforming livelihood assets into benefits. To manage contested processes of stakeholder participation within civil society, and between civil society and external actors. It is clear that a consensual approach to conflict management can build social capital and thereby reduce disputes and conflict as obstacles to sustainable livelihoods.
Customary approaches are still important in rural areas.
Views expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of DFID, IDS, id21 or other contributing institutions. All rights reserved.