Disputes relating to energy investment and proper utilization of natural resources like renewable energy are a constant occurrence these days. The global consumption of oil and energy related products have significantly increased since 1073. Due to this, it is very imperative, that simplified ways to handle these disputes are sought out, and that these proposed solutions are suggestive of ways to bring about infrastructure development.
Nevertheless, the aim of this article is to present ways, as suggested by the EU, the UN, and other international bodies, on how to effectively manage these conflicts, while promoting opportunities for infrastructure growth.
Conflict Prevention Strategies for Renewable Energy
While there’s endless competition with regards to natural resources which frequently lead to conflicts, there are ways to turn these combined interests into a positive collaboration for sustainable development.
Most times, conflicts relating to renewable energy are connected to economic and political matters and appropriate attention needs to be given to them at all levels and across all sectors. There is neither a “quick-fix” method, nor a “one-size-fits-all” approach to these matters. Each conflict should be approached with careful deliberation, and enlisting of the required resources for its resolution.
Energy arbitration with respect to renewable energy can be carried out with here main objectives, viz;
- Reduced competition over scarce resources by livelihood groups:
Some key points under this are;
Assisting easily sustained livelihoods thereby reducing the occurrence of resource scarcity: One key method to determine options and provide appropriate solutions that can reduce helplessness and help prevent conflict is the Sustainable livelihoods framework. Understanding how livelihood works in certain areas especially in areas where corresponding limited natural resources are always competed for is important to scheming management strategies and best way to prevent conflict. The risks to marginal groups and aboriginal people must be thoroughly evaluated.
Protection, Restoration, infrastructure and efficient use by increasing the supply of renewable energy:
A key measure in addressing the quality, number, and accessibility of renewable natural resources in a bid to reduce and balance competition and scarcity. Environmental degradation and pollution sources can be stopped with an increase access to renewable resources as well as its general supply is one thing supply side intervention focuses on.
Demand side strategies on the other hand focus on the improvement of the effectiveness of resource use and decreasing the per capita rate of consumption. Renewable resources can be replaced with alternatives using substitution measure plans.
- An advancement in accountability, dispute resolution capacity, and resource governance:
Resource governance can always be improved on using variety of measures. This can involve the establishment of governance structure for natural resources and also by the solidification and recognition of resource rights. This can be done by addressing all discriminatory access, a total reduction in corruption, and general improvement in transparency.
Another way this can be achieved is through the prevention of environmental degradation, and by providing and enforcing rights and rules that can ensure efficient use of natural resources; this is made possible by adopting parliamentary oversight, and improving on public participation within the framework of such rules.
A transparent identification of any possible environmental and social effects from developmental projects through the establishment of appropriate mechanisms to resolve conflicting disputes.
Stakeholders in the community as well as the civil society can also be empowered to participate in decision making in a bid to ensure compliance with government directives and to allow justice system to be easily accessible: An existence of governance framework for natural resources often times cannot allow civil society groups and stakeholders to participate in decision making.
They are not with the needed knowledge to watch compliance with government directives as well presented with the power to market transparency and accountability and the needed access to justice mechanisms and what is needed to advance dispute resolution processes. Targeted capacity building is usually necessary as they are very important components of excellence governance and this is a major contribution to conflict prevention.
- A Complete improvement with management cooperation and institutions:
A key establishment of transboundary information, a detailed resource-sharing agreement, and dispute resolution processes:
Managing transboundary resources in an effective way is often based on the use of different methods and approaches. Some of these approaches include a resource sharing agreement that is flexible, coordinated laws, the use of joint management institutions, and a continuous access to dispute resolution processes that has been used over time. These measures when put in place can be used to strengthen conflict prevention struggles.
- Execution of cross-cutting measures through all programs:
- Planning conflict-sensitive resource management, development, and adaption programs is one of the key ways to prevent conflict over natural resources. This can further be strengthened by ensuring that a conflict thoughtful approach is incorporated into all policies and programs around development and global climate adaptation and resource management. This give donors and stakeholders the chance to understand potential sources of conflict that their intervention can generate. This will ensure that a conflict-sensitive approach is put in place.
Risk assessments and situation analysis in a bid to spot possible conflicts areas should be conducted early:
An early risk assessment and possible situation analysis to check for potential conflict areas in regards to renewable resources is one of conflict prevention program that must be adopted. These tools when used in a scientific way can help spot prevailing and possible conflict areas.
Conclusion
Effective management of energy-related conflicts is now more important than ever before, with an endless increase in global consumption. Hence the necessity for effective methods (as outlined above), that yield timely solutions with a tilt towards infrastructure investment.
Effectively managing disputes that arise from renewable energy and climate change is very important in these times where there’s a surge in the use of these resources. Are you currently caught in one of these disputes, or do you need a team of seasoned, experienced lawyers with a solid history in commercial arbitration and dispute resolution matters to consult with when you draft the terms of your contract, to avoid disputes or effectively manage them if they do come up? Then, look no further, as Rattsakuten is here just for that. Contact our team of lawyers now for a prompt consultation
About Rattsakuten
Rattsakuten is a leading law firm focused on Commercial Arbitration and Dispute Resolution. Based in Sweden, Rattsakuten handles dispute resolution and Arbitration matters before the SCC (Swedish Chamber of Commerce), ICC, HKIAC and several other Arbitration tribunals.