Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
The Mindanao region in the Philippines is characterised by an impressive wealth of resources and a high level of biodiversity, on the one hand, and a high potential for conflict between economic interests and the local population on the other. For a long time, certain population groups – especially women, young men and indigenous peoples – were marginalised, which still leads to social tensions and regular outbreaks of violence. The project ‘Conflict-sensitive resource and asset management’ (COSERAM), implemented by the Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), supported Philippine partner institutions to foster conflict transformation processes and social inclusion with a particular focus on conflict dynamics around natural resources. It was commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and ran from 2011 to 2018.
Among other things, the GIZ supported the establishment of legal aid programmes for marginalised population groups, conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting approaches to local development and land-use planning, access to conflict-resolution mechanisms, and the management of protected areas that overlap with areas of indigenous groups. The aim was to establish participatory structures that foster inclusion, long-term social cohesion, the responsible management of natural resources and, as a result, reduce conflicts and violence.
On behalf of the GIZ evaluation department, adelphi evaluated the second phase of the project, which took place from 2014 to 2018. Working with partners in the Philippines, adelphi assessed to what extent the project achieved its goals. In doing so, adelphi and its partners are supporting to improve mechanisms for local conflict prevention and identify best practices for sustainable development.