Current Publications

„A Failure of Leadership“ examines the nexus between the impending energy crisis, initially related to a peaking of global oil supplies, and the climate crisis; raising the prospect that failing political leadership to address both crises simultaneously will likely destroy nascent natural resource governance mechanisms, significantly escalating the risk of global conflict over remaining supplies of oil.

“More Haste – Less Speed: How to Make Forests Work for the Climate and the People" explores the challenges attached to the idea of including reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) schemes into the climate regime from a resource governance perspective, drawing on the examples of Brazil and Liberia.

“Natural Resources and Conflict” explores the role of natural resources in conflict by looking at types of conflict, the industry’ role, conflict prevention and resolution as well existing and potential mechanisms and solutions.

Background Material and Dokuments

• Resources for Peace – Managing Revenues from Extractive Industries in Post-Conflict Environments
  (Philippe Le Billon)
  
• Business & Human Rights in Conflict Zones – Summary Report of a Consultation with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Business and Human Rights (SRSG)
  (John Ruggie, 5 November, Berlin)

Link list

A variety of initiatives, campaigns, standards and mechanisms exist that try to improve the governance of natural resources (oil/gas, mining and forest sector) through different approaches:

Undue Diligence: How banks do business with corrupt regimes
Report – 11/03/2009
Global Witness' new report Undue Diligence names some of the major banks who have done business with corrupt regimes. By accepting these customers, banks are assisting those who are using state assets to enrich themselves or brutalise their own people.

Certification Mechanisms:
Kimberley Process
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

Transparency Initiatives:
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)
Publish What You Pay (PWYP)

Voluntary Standards and Corporate Codes of Conduct:
UN Global Compact
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
IFC Performing Standards
Equator Principles
Wolfsberg Principles
UN Special Representative for Business and Human Rights, John Ruggie
http://ksgfaculty.harvard.edu/John_Ruggie

Law Enforcement Mechanisms:
Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade
http://www.eu-flegt.org/

Relevant Actors/Organisations:

International Civil Society Organisations:
Publish What You Pay (PWYP)
Fatal Transactions Campaign
Global Witness
Revenue Watch Institute
International Alert

African Civil Society Organisations:
Sustainable Development Institute, Liberia
Centre for Environment and Development, Cameroon
Southern Africa Resource Watch, South Africa
Environmental Foundation for Africa, Sierra Leone

Business:
International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)