Decentralized Governance of Natural Resources
Publisher: UNDP
Date: 2006
Topics: Governance, Programming, Renewable Resources
Countries: Bolivia, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan
The publication focuses on lessons learned about risks, constraints and opportunities in the decentralization process, and on the best approaches and practices from the various countries and regions. It also looks at capacity needs for effective decentralization and experiences gained in fiscal decentralization, a necessary source of funding for local development.
In most parts of the world's drylands, especially in rural areas, a large fraction of the population depends directly upon natural resources for their livelihoods. However, their efforts to improve living conditions and build up assets are often thwarted by degradation of these resources. The degradation more often than not takes place at an alarming rate as a result of a complex interplay of natural factors (e.g. climate variability and change) and human-induced factors (e.g. unsustainable land use driven by geographic pressure and insecure land tenure system). Furthermore, lack of alternative livelihood opportunities triggers conflicts over control of and access to scarce resources.Decentralized governance of natural resources (DGNR) concerns the ownership and control of, access to and use of resources. This involves decision making and the exercise of the powers over others. DGNR is considered one of the key strategies for promoting sustainable management, equitable decision-making, promoting efficiency, participatory governance and equitable sharing of benefits accrued from exploitation of natural resources at the local levels. It entails the process of transferring some of the decision-making powers and responsibilities (fiscal, administrative, legal and technical) to sub-national institutions at the provincial, district, city, town and village levels.