Analysis of Post-Conflict Assistance to Natural Resource Management in Timor-Leste

Abstract

This study analyzed the United Nations—supported natural resource management project in post-conflict Timor-Leste, and specified factors which influenced success and failure of the natural resource management project. The case study identified key factors, which influenced the outcomes of the project. Firstly, in the post-conflict societies, reforestation activities with a community-based approach were found to be difficult, because the function of community has not recovered fully in many cases. The success is related to the fact that the project has incorporated the activity which contributed to reconstruction of community in the second phase of the project. Secondly, the case study identified that success of reforestation activity was associated with community's social fabric, since the project implementation requires cooperation among community members, when planting and maintenance activity largely relied on participation of community members. Approach taken by the project was through facilitation of forming Self Help Groups, particularly through nurseries operations. Self Help Groups could provide a basis for self-sustained system in community to facilitate development at the grass root level.