Natural Riches?

“The Natural Resource Curse”

Wise development management can fix most problems that developing countries face in governing the extraction of their natural resources. Proper strategies can help countries avoid the usual sad results: A nation’s funds end up in secret bank accounts and its citizens are impoverished and at each others’ throats. To reap the rewards of natural resources, developing countries have to cross a minefield of potential problems, including institutional shortcomings, troubled economies and quality-of-life issues – all potential catalysts for conflicts and even wars.

“Natural Resource Management as Part of the Development Agenda”

These general guidelines can aid decision-making and reduce the risks inherent in developing natural resources, including:

• Land – Develop clear land ownership and usage laws. Coordinate the management of rights distribution. Make land administration a government responsibility. Use global positioning technologies.
  
• Water – Create and enforce laws and institutions for water management. Design and implement systems for managing ground and surface water...