Company-Led Approaches to Conflict Resolution in the Forest Sector

This discussion paper explores the potential for addressing conflict in the forest sector through
the use of company-led tools and mechanisms. A major conflict issue for many is that of
recognising and negotiating rights to land and resources. Conflicts also arise between
companies and communities or civil society organisations over conservation priorities,
environmental pollution and benefit sharing. Norms and standards that influence company
efforts to develop their own conflict resolution mechanisms include certification standards,
voluntary industry guidelines, project finance requirements and international norms. A key
concept is that of “free, prior and informed consent” or FPIC, which is explored in this paper.