Environment and Climate Change Management: Perspectives for Post Conflict-Colombia

Abstract

Environment and natural resources are linked to violent conflict and human rights in Colombia in several ways. While conflict over land rights is a well-known cause of involuntary displacement, revenues from illicit drugs fuel conflict through providing financing for armed groups. Conflict and unequal development also lead to environmental degradation and loss of ecosystem services which particularly affect poor men and women. They have least capacity to cope with health problems related to poor water and air quality, food insecurity or economic shocks following natural disasters. This Policy Brief outlines key environmental and climate change issues in Colombia and discusses how these are linked to conflicts, human rights and a post-conflict scenario. The analysis provides input to the ongoing process to draft a new Swedish cooperation strategy for Colombia and responds to the Swedish Governments thematic priority of Environment and Climate Change in Development Cooperation.