JUBA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Thursday launched guidelines aimed at mitigating conflicts related to rivalry over natural resources in South Sudan.
FAO said in a statement that the five-step strategy seeks to increase effectiveness of natural resource management mechanisms and improve livelihoods by addressing root causes of conflict among South Sudanese communities.
The agency said natural resources such as agricultural land, water, pasture and forests are key resources for South Sudan and their effective management would help in the economic and social recovery of populations affected by conflict.
The strategy involves mapping of land coverage using geospatial technologies, identification of strategic livelihood services and causes of grassroots conflict.
The guidelines also calls for establishment of territorial agreements or committees to monitor land governance, natural resources and identify boundaries to mitigate natural resource-based conflict.
"With these guidelines updated to the current context, stakeholders can work more effectively to address conflict-drivers to create sustainable natural resource management practices in the field," said Serge Tissot, FAO Representative in South Sudan.
South Sudan is prone to violent communal conflicts over natural resources such livestock pasture and water points. For generations, cattle rustling and violent clashes between crop farmers and pastoralists have killed unknown number of people.
In a bid to expedite implementation of the framework, FAO said it will this week bring together 30 natural resource management experts from across the country to discuss the document.
Marco de Gaetano, FAO Natural Resource Management Specialist, said the initiative would create a platform for community dialogue and engagement that would reduce conflict.
