This document presents a conceptual framework for addressing natural resource conflicts through collective action. It identifies several contextual factors that influence natural resource competition, such as globalization and climate change. It then outlines three areas for engagement: influencing decision-making arenas, supporting natural resource management institutions, and governance reforms. The framework suggests improving governance around resource tenure, conflict resolution mechanisms, and addressing inequalities. It also recommends strengthening collective action institutions for managing natural resources through capacity building, promoting collective action, and influencing decision-making processes to reduce conflict risks.

1. Catalyzing collective action to address natural resource conflict

3. Conceptual framework on resource conflict, collective action, and social-ecological resilience. Adapted from Ostrom (2005) and Di Gregorio et al. (2008).

5. Decentralization reforms

6. Civil society networks, advocacy and international lawGlobalization of agricultural markets increasing competition for land and primary resources Climate change, carbon markets, and resource conflict Decentralization reforms Civil society networks, advocacy and international law

7. Three windows for engagement Influencing the action arena Support to NRM institutions Governance reforms

8. Improving the governance context for collective action to address resource competition Engage community institutions to establish clarity in resource tenure Strengthen both statutory and traditional conflict resolution mechanisms Address horizontal inequalities through natural resource policies Governance reforms

9. Strengthening collective action institutions for natural resources management Support to NRM institutions Build capacity for collective action where state capacity is weak Promote collective action in natural resource management institutions as a means of conflict prevention

10. Influencing the action arena Influencing the action arena Seek opportunities to reframe collective narratives to reduce conflict risk Support rights and capacities of weaker actors to access justice Cultivate space for dialogue and negotiation to resolve resource conflicts

11. 9 Building resilience of community fisheries in the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

12. Outcomes: improving governance Ratner, Halpern, Mam (2011)

14. Blake D. Ratner, Ruth Meinzen-Dick, Jon Hellin, EveristoMapedza, Jon Unruh, WouterVeening, Eric Haglund, Candace May and Carl Bruch Addressing conflict through collective action in natural resources management: A synthesis of experience Feedback please: b.ratner@cgiar.org CGIAR Systemwide Program on Collective Action and Property Rights www.capri.cgiar.org