Transforming natural resource conflict into peace and prosperity in rural Sri Lanka

As climate change continues to impact the natural resources available for the basic needs and livelihoods of local communities in Sri Lanka, conflicts over rights of access and use of this natural resource base are also likely to intensify. This project will demonstrate innovative, replicable, and integrated bio-physical, governance, and livelihood interventions identified, designed, implemented, and monitored with local stakeholders to build capacities amongst target communities and government agencies for mitigating such social conflicts, with a focus on water resources. These interventions aim to strengthen adaptation to climate change impacts and transform fragile conflict situations into cooperation while providing more equitable benefits to especially the most climate-vulnerable stakeholders. An important element of the project will be institutionalizing the project’s legacy of demonstrated adaptation and conflict mediation mechanisms and associated processes of social engagement with a view to their adoption for use by state and non-state actors.