ACPST course: Managing natural resources 2014

This course focused on how best to manage natural resources, including land and mineral wealth.

Date: 2014-03-10 to 2014-03-21

Time: 08:30 to 17:30

Venue: ACPST ISS Addis Ababa

As one of the least industrialised continents, African societies are heavily dependent on natural resources – both in ensuring the livelihoods of the vast majority of their peoples and in boosting state revenues and economic growth. Important as these resources are, their management has posed many problems for African states and societies. The benefits of natural resources are sometimes grossly unequally distributed, with investors sometimes pocketing disproportionate gains to the detriment of local populations. Struggles over natural resources have been at the root of many violent conflicts on the continent.

The course focused on how best to manage natural resources, including land and mineral wealth. Local, national and international instruments and methods were explored. The potential role of natural resources in improving human security, along with the dangers posed by the poor management of such resources, was addressed.

Issues considered included mineral contracting, the green economy, the management of wildlife, ensuring sustainability and questions of equity, human rights and the rights of minorities in the management of such resources. The goal was to equip participants with skills to manage natural resources in a way that provides the maximum benefits to citizens, while ensuring sustainability and the equitable distribution of benefits.

The course brought together 22 participants from 11 countries, with a mixture of state and non-state actors, including those from African Union, United Nations, not-for-profit sectors, youth group and activists working on managing natural resources in Africa.

Over the course of two weeks this course enhanced participants’ understanding of issues surrounding the management of natural resources across the continent. Special emphasis was given to skills relating to local, national and international methods used in managing natural resources to the benefit of local populations in a way that is equitable and sustainable. It also gave participants the ability to network for knowledge sharing and advocacy on sound natural resource management.