Conservation, conflict and semi-industrial mining: The case of eastern DRC

Peer Schouten; Judith Verweijen; Fergus Simpson; Pascal Chakirwa Zirimwabagabo

Conservation, conflict and semi-industrial mining: The case of eastern DRC

Peer Schouten
, Judith Verweijen
, Fergus Simpson
, Pascal Chakirwa Zirimwabagabo

University of Sheffield
Institute of Development Policy and Management, University of Antwerp

Research output: Working Paper, Paper, Policy Brief, Brief, Impact › Policy Briefs, Briefs and Impacts › Research

681 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Semi-industrial mining in and near protected areas in eastern DRC exacerbates violent conflict in three ways: 1) it fosters competition between political-military networks; 2) it creates new, and exacerbates existing, conflicts; and 3) it intensifies popular grievances because of negative social and environmental impacts. In a militarized environment, conflict and competition can spark violence and foster popular support for armed groups. Measures to curb mining in protected areas need to take these different effects on conflict dynamics into consideration. Policymakers and donors need to ensure that such measures do not exacerbate conflict, competition and grievances by 1) fostering broad support for them among different (civilian and military) state agencies and at different administrative levels; 2) anticipating displacement effects; and 3) carefully assessing the impact on local livelihoods.

Original language	English
Publisher	Institute of Development Policy/Antwerp University
Publication status	Published - 13 Dec 2022

Series	Analysis and Policy Brief
Number	49

Access to Document

2022 IOB policy briefFinal published version, 2.42 MB

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/iob/publications/analyses-and-policy-briefs/apb-2022/apb-49/

1 Report
1 Feature Article
1 Policy Briefs, Briefs and Impacts

Mining and armed conflict threaten eastern DRC’s biodiversity in a complex web
Verweijen, J., Simpson, F. & Schouten, P., 13 Jan 2023, In: The Conversation.
Research output: Articles: Journal and Newspaper › Feature Article

Open Access
Armed actors and environmental peacebuilding: Lessons from Eastern DRC
Verweijen, J., Schouten, P. & Simpson, F., 29 Nov 2022, Washington: United States Institute of Peace Press. 25 p. (Peaceworks; No. 186).
Research output: Book, Anthology, Thesis, Report › Report › Research › peer-review

Open Access
Our climate future depends on conflict dynamics in Congo: Climate and conflict
Schouten, P., Verweijen, J. & Simpson, F., 29 Nov 2022, Copenhagen: Danish Institute for International Studies, 4 p. (DIIS Policy Brief).
Research output: Working Paper, Paper, Policy Brief, Brief, Impact › Policy Briefs, Briefs and Impacts › Communication

Open Access
File

‘It’s a real mess’: Mining and deforestation threaten unparalleled DRC wildlife haven
Schouten, P.
13/10/2023
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media

Cite this

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title = "Conservation, conflict and semi-industrial mining: The case of eastern DRC",

abstract = "Semi-industrial mining in and near protected areas in eastern DRC exacerbates violent conflict in three ways: 1) it fosters competition between political-military networks; 2) it creates new, and exacerbates existing, conflicts; and 3) it intensifies popular grievances because of negative social and environmental impacts. In a militarized environment, conflict and competition can spark violence and foster popular support for armed groups. Measures to curb mining in protected areas need to take these different effects on conflict dynamics into consideration. Policymakers and donors need to ensure that such measures do not exacerbate conflict, competition and grievances by 1) fostering broad support for them among different (civilian and military) state agencies and at different administrative levels; 2) anticipating displacement effects; and 3) carefully assessing the impact on local livelihoods. ",

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N2 - Semi-industrial mining in and near protected areas in eastern DRC exacerbates violent conflict in three ways: 1) it fosters competition between political-military networks; 2) it creates new, and exacerbates existing, conflicts; and 3) it intensifies popular grievances because of negative social and environmental impacts. In a militarized environment, conflict and competition can spark violence and foster popular support for armed groups. Measures to curb mining in protected areas need to take these different effects on conflict dynamics into consideration. Policymakers and donors need to ensure that such measures do not exacerbate conflict, competition and grievances by 1) fostering broad support for them among different (civilian and military) state agencies and at different administrative levels; 2) anticipating displacement effects; and 3) carefully assessing the impact on local livelihoods.

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PB - Institute of Development Policy/Antwerp University

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Conservation, conflict and semi-industrial mining: The case of eastern DRC

Abstract

Access to Document

Research output

Mining and armed conflict threaten eastern DRC’s biodiversity in a complex web

Armed actors and environmental peacebuilding: Lessons from Eastern DRC

Our climate future depends on conflict dynamics in Congo: Climate and conflict

Press/Media

‘It’s a real mess’: Mining and deforestation threaten unparalleled DRC wildlife haven

Cite this