The document summarizes a study on conflict diamonds and the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) conducted by the Royal Institute for International Relations in Belgium. The study had two objectives: 1) Strengthen the integrity of the KPCS by improving controls over informal diamond extraction and trade. 2) Improve the social and economic conditions of artisanal diamond miners and encourage their positive role in rural development. The research included case studies of artisanal mining communities and reviews of past interventions to formalize the diamond sector. The conclusions contributed to implementing recommendations of the 2005 Moscow Declaration to support the KPCS and artisanal diamond mining.

1. EGMONT – Royal Institute for International Relations, Belgium