What are effective ways to measure the impact of conflict on natural resources?

1 Why measure conflict impact?

Measuring the impact of conflict on natural resources is important for several reasons. First, it can help to assess the extent and severity of the environmental damage caused by conflict, and identify the most affected areas and populations. Second, it can help to design and implement appropriate interventions to restore and manage natural resources, and prevent further degradation. Third, it can help to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of the interventions, and identify the best practices and lessons learned. Fourth, it can help to promote accountability and transparency, and support the claims and rights of the affected communities and stakeholders.

2 What to measure?

When assessing the impact of conflict on natural resources, there are various dimensions and indicators to consider. These include availability, which is the quantity and quality of accessible and usable resources; accessibility, which refers to physical, legal, and economic barriers or opportunities that affect access; affordability, which is the cost-benefit analysis of accessing and using natural resources; adequacy, which is the suitability of resources to meet needs; and acceptability, which is the social and cultural norms that influence perception. All of these can vary depending on the context and objectives of the assessment.

3 How to measure?

When measuring the impact of conflict on natural resources, different methods and tools may be used, depending on the availability and reliability of data, the assessors' resources and capacities, and the stakeholders' engagement. Remote sensing, which involves capturing and analyzing images and data from a distance using satellites, drones, or other devices, can be used to measure land cover, vegetation, water quality, or wildlife populations. Geographic information systems (GIS) can store, manipulate, and display spatial data of natural resources in the form of maps, charts, or graphs. Field surveys through questionnaires, interviews, observations, or measurements can be used to collect data on water availability, soil erosion, forest degradation, or biodiversity loss. Finally, participatory methods such as workshops, focus groups, games, or stories can involve stakeholders in resource mapping, conflict analysis or scenario planning.

4 What are the challenges?

Measuring the impact of conflict on natural resources is not without challenges, as there are many limitations and uncertainties that can affect the quality and validity of the assessment. For instance, data gaps, bias, complexity, and communication can all impede the process. Data gaps refer to the lack or inconsistency of data and information on natural resources in conflict-affected areas. Data bias reflects distortion or manipulation of data and information due to political, economic, or ideological interests. Data complexity is difficult to capture and analyze due to the diversity, variability, and uncertainty of the factors and variables involved. Finally, data communication can be difficult or reluctant due to the sensitivity, controversy, or implications of the findings and recommendations.

5 What are the best practices?

Despite the challenges, there are best practices that can help to improve the quality and validity of the assessment of the impact of conflict on natural resources. Data triangulation, verification, participation, and dissemination can all be used to increase credibility, accuracy, transparency, accountability, relevance, ownership, awareness, and advocacy. Data triangulation involves using multiple sources and methods to collect and analyze data; data verification uses independent experts or institutions to review and validate data; data participation involves consulting stakeholders in the data collection process; and data dissemination involves communicating and disseminating data in clear formats.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?