In Kachin State, Myanmar, where resources are abundant, deforestation is escalating due to illegal logging and mining. The government struggles to maintain control, but the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) is actively involved. They are regulating land use, managing timber harvests, and issuing permits to help protect local ecosystems while generating revenue. This strategy not only supports the environment but also strengthens the KIO’s influence and civilian backing in the region.
As climate change worsens worldwide, it’s not just governments taking action. Rebel groups are stepping up and playing surprising roles in environmental governance, especially in areas where official authority is weak. While often seen as antagonists, these groups are becoming important players in managing climate-related issues. This shift raises essential questions about governance amid climate crises.
In our recent work, “Rebel Governance in the Age of Climate Change,” we look at how armed groups are shaping climate adaptation strategies and natural resource management. Surprisingly, these activities can offer some stability and resilience, even as they complicate global responses to climate change.
The Role of Rebel Groups in Climate Issues
Rebel governance refers to the systems created by armed non-state actors to provide services like education and health. Recently, they’ve started to address environmental challenges too. For example, before the Taliban regained control in 2021, they executed water infrastructure projects and managed forest resources. Similarly, in Colombia, former FARC members are involved in initiatives to protect the environment.
Research shows that almost half of the rebel groups operating since 1989 have taken on some form of environmental governance. They manage land, water, and natural resources, and even set up ministries focused on environmental issues.
Legitimacy through Environmental Control
While some actions may seem selfless, controlling resources is often a strategic move to extract revenue, assert political control, and gain civilian support. These governance structures can facilitate local communities’ survival and adaptability where legitimate state presence is lacking.
Environmental stressors like repeated droughts can exacerbate tensions and grievances, creating opportunities for rebels to exert influence. For example, in Somalia, extended droughts have intensified conflict between local pastoralists, leading them to migrate toward territories controlled by Al-Shabaab, which has begun enforcing environmental laws despite its violent reputation.
However, such legitimacy can be fleeting. If rebel governance becomes overly oppressive or disrupts traditional practices, they can quickly lose local support. In Myanmar, the KIO faces challenges balancing the community’s demand for environmental protection with economic interests in resource extraction.
What This Means for Peacebuilding
The rise of rebel-led climate governance presents challenges for the international community. While these groups may address urgent environmental needs, engaging with them can legitimize violence and undermine state authority. On the other hand, ignoring their role can lead to significant gaps in understanding local dynamics and needs.
For instance, humanitarian aid often struggles to reach communities controlled by rebels because grants typically assume state sovereignty. Overlooking these complexities can skew climate assessments and lead to misallocated resources.
Moving Forward in Conflict-Affected Areas
Engaging with rebel groups is not a safe substitute for legitimate state governance. Their methods and enforcement often involve coercion, so outright recognition of their roles is tricky. Nevertheless, ignoring this reality does not make it disappear.
To enhance resilience in these regions, we must consider governance beyond traditional state frameworks. We call for pragmatic approaches that acknowledge the roles of armed groups while being careful not to legitimize their violence. This includes collaborating with local intermediaries and reevaluating how international climate finance is allocated.
As we continue to grapple with climate change, understanding the interplay between governance, conflict, and the environment is crucial. Addressing these challenges requires adaptability and a willingness to rethink existing frameworks to ensure that all communities, regardless of their governance structures, can thrive amid the changing climate.
Sources:
- IPCC Reports
- Climatic Change Journal
- Current studies on rebel governance and climate adaptation
