Land and natural resource conflicts always involve various parties with different interests. To resolve these conflicts in a fair and sustainable manner, the first and most important step is to conduct an inclusive study or assessment, as an affirmative action for vulnerable groups and women. These assessments are at the heart of more than half of the work in an effective conflict management process. 

However, in the assessments carried out assessors and/or mediators often still group stakeholders in general, for example, “village community members” are considered as one homogeneous entity, while in fact, within village communities there are various sub-groups with different characteristics, roles, and interests. Women and men, for example,  have different roles in land management, which causes them to have different perspectives and needs for land and natural resources. 

In land and natural resource conflicts, vulnerable groups are often the most negatively affected. Women, for example, often lose access to the land they use for farming, or economic activities and the fulfillment of household needs. This not only affects food security, but also the family economy as a whole. Unfortunately, although women have a great interest in tenurial certainty, they are often barely represented in decision-making processes related to conflict resolution.

In addition, women and other vulnerable groups, such as children, could also be negatively affected by conflicts significantly. Children could lose access to education or live in unstable conditions due to the loss of natural resources that sustain their families’ livelihoods. Similarly, the elderly face additional difficulties when access to land that is the backbone of their basic needs is constrained due to conflict.

Groups of people with disabilities are also often overlooked in the conflict resolution process. They may have limited access to information or meeting places, making it difficult to voice their needs. Meanwhile, ethnic or cultural minority groups, including indigenous peoples, often face additional challenges in fighting for their rights, especially if they are in politically and socially marginalized territories. 

In short, an inclusive approach is essential to ensure that the resulting solutions reflect the needs of all parties that may be affected. Therefore, assessors or mediators have a key role in recognizing various differences of interest among sub-groups of society through a more careful assessment identifying all stakeholders and involving them in the process. One strategy is to adjust participation methods to be more inclusive, for example, meetings can be held at flexible times in locations that are easily accessible to all parties, including women, people with disabilities and the elderly. 

Mediators must also create safe spaces for women and other vulnerable groups to express their opinions without pressure. The data collected during the assessment should also be separated by gender, age, and social status to ensure the specific needs of each group are identified.  

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