Paper short abstract:

Using the Four-C model (Complementarity, Co-optation, Confrontation, Cooperation) and drawing on a multi methods qualitative study approach, this paper provides insights on ENGO strategies to navigate complex relations with the State

Paper long abstract:

The role, functions, and influence of African Environmental NGOs (ENGOs) over the past 20 years is gradually being documented, but there remains an important gap on the understanding of their relations with State. In this paper, we ask: which strategic interests drive the relations between ENGOs and State, and how could a relevant adjustment of those relations reflect on ENGOs' efficiency? We address these questions through analysis of four ENGOs leading independent forest and wildlife monitoring and enforcement initiatives in four Congo Basin countries. Data were collected through a multi-method approach comprising content analysis, case study and semi structured interviews with leading practitioners. Complementarity, Cooperation, Co-optation and Confrontation are the main types of ENGOs - State relations in line with Najam (2000). The cross-country approach allows us to highlight the underlying drivers, opportunities and constraints associated with all four types of NGO-State relations. Ultimately, we argue that ENGOs conducting forest monitoring and wildlife monitoring are more likely to achieve predefined outcomes when they are able to navigate through the fluidity and hurdles of constraining interactions with the State, and harness the full potential of positive interactions. Overall, the paper demonstrates that while space has been created for increased NGO participation and contribution in the area of resource governance, the role of the state has not diminished with the recognition that the ultimate enforcement of relevant legislation remains the mandate of the sovereign State. The implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Paper short abstract:

This paper presents pioneer experience and lessons learnt in the application of quality management standards in civil society (CS)led independent monitoring of forest and mining in a context of fragmented decision-making processes in Cameroon leading to increased role and participation of CS.

Paper long abstract:

The monitoring and the control of law enforcement in the forest and mining sectors are a sovereign competence of the State through its competent public organisations. However, with a view to strengthening law enforcement and ensuring greater transparency in the management of forest resources, independent forest monitoring (IFM) has been implemented by civil society organisations in Cameroon since 2001. With the breakdown of relationships between mandated Independent Monitor and the State in 2013, IFM has evolved to self-appointed or external non-mandated monitoring implemented by national civil society organizations without prior contracts with the government. In order to address challenges of the new role and scale up their impact, civil society organisations experimented with the application of ISO 9001 quality management standards in the monitoring of forest and mining sectors. The paper describes how increased performance, credibility, legitimacy, reliability and engagement of new actors have opened up citizen participation and voice in policy and decision making processes in the management of natural resources in a context characterised by weak governance and fragmented institutional decision-making. This paper explains ongoing challenges and how this experience can be further improved and replicated to other sectors in the Congo Basin.

Paper short abstract:

By analysing land dispute processes,the paper reveals that the authority structure in land control and land relation are fluid and dynamic processes. It highlights the importance of capturing the local dynamics of negotiations over access and authority for effective governance of natural resources.

Paper long abstract:

In the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh, the indigenous hill people's struggle over land is intertwined with their long political struggle. The armed struggle (1973-1998) of the hill ethnic population against the state ended with signing of the CHT Accord. In the post-Accord period, multiple institutions have emerged with overlapping authority in land control. Within the context, this paper examines land conflicts between the hill people (Chakma Community) and Bengali settlers (who migrated under the Bangladesh government initiated settlement program in 1979) in the CHT. Analysis of land dispute processes reveals that competing land claims are based on varied norms (customary and statutory), laws, land documents (formal and informal) and authority sources (formal and informal). The paper shows that the state actors (bureaucratic, judiciary, regional government, traditional institutions, military authorities) and non-state authorities (political parties, leaders, brokers) take part and compete in defining people's rights and access over land. The empirical insights reveal that the authority structure in land governance and land relation are fluid, active and dynamic processes. However, the development policies related to land and forest management in the CHT do not address the local dynamics of access and control over resources. The paper aims to contribute to the discussion on natural resource governance by highlighting the importance of understanding the role of diverse authority sources and concrete practices on the ground, particularly, in places where the state's control over territory and population is contested.

Paper short abstract:

The paper analysis the effectiveness of participatory natural resource governance system for environmental sustainability in Zimbabwe

Paper long abstract:

The participatory conservation approach entails a situation wherein the state and non-state actors ranging from local to global, are reciprocally connected through actions and practices based on a common understanding on natural resource governance. The environmental management issues link traditionally independent state actors together and these modern natural resource governance practice has led to the inclusion of a range of state and non-state actors, donor organisations,non-governmental organisations,communities and academic institutions in resource governance. The relationship between different actors and the physical environment is conditioned by power relations. The widespread and dispersed powers over customary users of natural resources may work both to promote and resist the issue of natural resource governance. These actors may exert control over the environmental resources such as land and forest and can also monopolise a valued environment resource to control the ensuing economic benefits that may be derived from the exploi tation of that resource. Whilst it is agreed that co-management of natural resources enhances conservation of environmental resources, it should be understood that it is making human-society-nature relations more complex and dynamic. This paper therefore questions the continual environmental degradation in the world and particularly in Zimbabwe despite the existence of multi-stakeholders in natural resource governance. Given the supposed failure to address environmental problems in the country, the paper further explores factors affecting the involvement of so many actors in local resource use and its implications for ensuring sustainable use of land and forest resources.

Paper short abstract:

Grievances expressed by women in the Delta region are typically concerned with environmental degradation and underdevelopment. The roles played by women to address oil-related environmental issues need to be brought at the fore of discussions on development in the Niger Delta.

Paper long abstract:

Conflicts in the Niger Delta have reached a political brink that has attracted significant concerns and responsiveness at both local and international levels. Women in the Niger Delta have played a key role in organising important protests and are referred to continuously in relation to the adoption of nonviolence. Grievances expressed by women in the Delta region are typically concerned with environmental degradation and underdevelopment. Ogoni women, for example, have experienced, first-hand, the violent reprisals instigated by the Nigerian security forces. Yet, the women's' voices within the context of the nonviolent aspect of the conflict are absent in the literature. This paper addresses two questions: What are the conflict related experiences of the Ijaw and Ogoni women? What future roles could the women in the Niger Delta play to advance the nonviolence agenda? It highlights the comparative roles of the women in conflict settings. The roles played by women to address oil-related environmental issues need to be brought at the fore of discussions on development in the region. Specifically, these gendered implications are important for development particularly in explaining the 'how' and 'why' within the differing trajectories of the movements in the oil producing areas of Nigeria.

Paper short abstract:

The paper explores the nature of indigenous communities' participation in forest governance processes in the light of external stakeholders and their agendas. The paper draws on a literature review and first reflections from fieldwork with stakeholders on forest governance in the Congo Basin.

Paper long abstract:

Indigenous Communities (ICs) are key stakeholders in Forest Governance (FG).

They depend on forest resources for their livelihoods but are also increasingly recognised as critical actors in the protection of forests for long-term sustainability of the forests.

The configuration of forest governance stakeholders is strongly dominated by external actors. This includes international agencies for example EU, DFID, World Bank etc. and non-state actors such as non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, and private sector actors with commercial or corporate interests.

The extent to which indigenous communities engage with this group is poorly understood. This paper reflects on whether indigenous communities are co-opted into the narratives of external actors in the forest governance agenda; or whether they are able to participate in dialogues that allow them to fully and independently reflect the needs and roles of indigenous communities.

The paper draws on a literature review and first reflections from fieldwork with stakeholders on forest governance in the Congo Basin.