Conflict Sensitivity in Land Governance recognizes the evolving understanding of the relationship between land and conflict in complex contexts, including the dynamic impact of climate change. It is a hands-on resource designed for land and natural resource practitioners, as well as humanitarian, peacebuilding, and other sectoral actors planning for and implementing land related efforts wherever communities experience fragility and conflict. Users will find guidance to better understand conflict dynamics specific to issues of land so that activities expand conditions for peace and avoid exacerbating underlying social tensions and conflicts. Private sector, multilateral, and governmental entities will also benefit as they design conflict sensitive funding opportunities, support new initiatives or new forms of partnership, adapt in complex and rapidly changing contexts.

Conflict Sensitivity in Land Governance builds on CDA’s 2013 publication Do No Harm in Land Tenure and Property Rights: Designing and Implementing Conflict Sensitive Land Programs. Developed on request of the Government of Colombia, the original tool assisted with conflict sensitive implementation of the Victim’s Law, which governed the return of stolen and abandoned land to internally displaced Colombians and provided reparations following decades of civil conflict. The new resource is a partnership with Tetra Tech, drawing on global operational expertise in land governance and effective stakeholder engagement to resolve challenges and tap into opportunities related to access, use, and control of land and other natural resources.