Support Program Conflict, Climate Change and Environment in the Middle East

The Middle East is highly vulnerable to climate change. Stress about the distribution of natural resources and unsustainable environmental governance heighten the probability of conflict. In addition, the current socioeconomic and political crisis in Lebanon might reignite sectarian tensions and conflicts in relation to the use of natural resources. Despite their good intention for nature, internationally agreed targets for biodiversity conservation are putting additional pressure on national governments to increase the size of protected areas.
However, these ecosystems are often located in rural communities that rely on their natural resources for the locals’ livelihood, so conflict between local communities and national authority can be triggered. This might also lead to inter-communal conflicts over the use of resources in protected areas.

The Hima approach is a tool located in the sub-national (municipal) governance level. The “Hima for Peace” project aims to reduce the tensions between local communities that are sharing natural resources.
Local communities develop an increased knowledge on the sustainable management of natural resources, climate change impacts on the community, and the benefits of integration with surrounding communities, based on the application of the Hima approach. The gained knowledge will eventually lead to improved relations between and cooperation among local communities – ultimately, tensions will be reduced.

The Hima approach that was used by SPNL so far is tailored around ensuring that local communities benefit from the natural resources of Himas without impacting biodiversity. To be able to expand its use, the Hima methodology needs to be adapted to address conflict resolution around natural resources and therefore integrate conflict resolution tools. The methodology’s focus will shift towards the equitable, maximized but still sustainable use of natural resources between the various communities.
The new methodology will then be implemented in a pilot area where conflicts around natural resources exist. Local actors will be trained, including aspects of conflict resolution processes to address communal challenges. Drawn from this experience, a case study will be developed and spread regionally.