Conflict and Cooperation over Natural Resources in Developing Countries - CoCooN

Aim & Objective

The aim of the programme 'Conflict and Cooperation over Natural resources in developing countries' is to contribute to sustainable development, poverty reduction and the realisation of the MDGs. The programme’s objective is to provide contributions to evidence-based policy development, interventions and practices in the field of conflict and cooperation over natural resources, and to adequately manage, resolve and learn from conflicts and cooperation over natural resources.

Three perspectives: Development & Knowledge, Research and Innovation & Capacity development

Innovation in policy and practice is a key in realising social change. Not only the generation of new knowledge but especially the effective exploitation of existing knowledge is essential for innovation in policy and practice. Central to the iterative and continuous knowledge, research and innovation process are learning and enhancing the access to and sharing of knowledge. The equally important perspectives are thus:

  • Development;
  • knowledge, research and innovation and
  • capacity development

Conflict & Natural resources

Though conflicts are rarely purely 'resource driven', scarcity, degradation or abundance of natural resources may lead to conflicts, threatening the lives of millions of people depending on these resources for their daily living. Conflicts may take many forms, from a struggle between opposed principles to violence or armed conflict. Conflicts may be detrimental, but conflicts can also be the key driver for positive change. A better understanding of the dynamics of the conflict & natural resources nexus in the context of a rapidly changing world is essential for conflict resolution, as well as for identifying opportunities where conflicts may lead to innovation and cooperation. 

Open calls & Process approach & Learning and Sharing

CoCooN funds are mainly allocated by open calls. Central to the programme are Integrated Projects. Consortia composed of key stakeholders - with partners from South and North and from inside and outside the scientific community - initiate and direct the IPs. The IP consortia steer activities regarding knowledge sharing, research – both fast track and fundamental - and learning, training and capacity development. They are responsible for the process management, from demand articulation and engaging stakeholders, to enhancing ownership and assuring the effective use of results The IPS are organised around specific geographically delineated conflict areas with a focus on one or more of the three themes:

  • Conflicts, land rights and land-use change,
  • Water resources, conflict and cooperation and
  • Resource exploitation, global trade and conflict.

Only IP proposals of the highest quality – with respect to all three perspectives: development, knowledge, research and innovation and capacity development - are eligible for funding. During the running period of the programme new projects or activities within IPs and new IPs may be funded. The geographical focus of the IP should be rooted in, but not necessarily limited to, one or more partner countries of Dutch bilateral development cooperation.

Calls for proposals are announced on the website and through news letters of Dutch and international organisations.

Further information:

Ms Han van Dijk
(programme coordinator)
Phone: +31 (0)70 3440945
E-mail: cocoon@nwo.nl