Preparing for peace: Integration of natural resource management in programming ahead of peace – lessons learned in Darfur

The challenges of launching and implementing the huge international emergency response in Darfur masked the need to manage the rapid transition taking place in Darfur’s human geography, some aspects of which are likely to be permanent. The nature of this transition will determine the context for building peace in Darfur, therefore analysis and support to this process is needed whilst the during the period of crisis.
For instance, the city of Nyala grew from 500,000 to 1,500,000 people within a few years, becoming one of Sudan’s three largest urban centers; a status it is likely to maintain. The impact of this rapid urban growth has placed considerable stresses on equitable and sustainable natural resource management across South Darfur. This is taking place in a context where all types of governance have been heavily undermined, including environmental governance. Given the impact of the increasing scarcity of natural resources as a driver of conflict, the absence of strategic planning and programming to take account of natural resource management as part of the humanitarian response has to be seen as a missed opportunity to promote conditions conducive to lasting peace in a post conflict scenario.