Communities living around current or prospective natural resource extraction, wildlife, and refugee settlement sites are poor, underserved, and highly prone to conflict. ANCHOR contributes to the the sustainable utility of natural resources through:

Promotion of equitable, transparent, and accountable governance of natural resources (oil, gas, high value minerals, land, and biodiversity) in a manner that protects the environment; promotes peace; and fosters sustainable economic development.

Communities living around current or prospective natural resource extraction, wildlife, and refugee settlement sites are poor, underserved, and highly prone to conflict. High levels of unemployment and underemployment exist due to lack of appropriate skills, poor attitudes towards employment, and lack of information on available opportunities. Moreover, there’s a lack of effective demand for services arising from the lack of knowledge and understanding on land rights and ownership, lack of information on government plans and services, and lack of effective leadership at the grassroots.

The knowledge gap of key natural resource legal frameworks and policies, as well as exclusion from decision making and policy development processes have led to growing mistrust among key stakeholders. The lack of training and resources have incapacitated the ability of local governments to implement and monitor proper resource management. Lastly, the encroachment into protected reserves and the competition for food, water, and construction materials have resulted in the degradation and decline of natural resources including biodiversity.