Breaking Ground

High revenues and long-term investment make extractive industries attractive partners for poor countries seeking development. But formulating a sustainable strategy remains a challenge in the best of circumstances, and can be an urgent part of solidifying peace in fragile post-conflict environments. Lisa Sachs outlines the key elements for avoiding the “resource curse.” Lyuba Zarsky highlights the importance of local communities in the search for sustainable development. And Siri Aas Rustad, Päivi Lujala and Philippe Le Billon examine the challenges of peacebuilding in resource-rich post-conflict states.