Ethical analysis: A structured approach to facilitate the resolution of forest conflicts

The complexity of natural resource conflicts is often due to the original issues becoming hidden amongst the differing perceptions of the situation. These perceptions are based on the interests, values and principles of those concerned. The resulting complexity makes resolution of the conflict extremely difficult. Ethical analysis (EA) is a tool that could lay the groundwork for resolution of complex natural resource conflicts. The fundamental task of EA is to map and understand the interests, values and principles of the conflicting parties, thereby presenting the conflict's core drivers. It attempts not to solve the problem but to help the parties to understand their own and other parties' values and interests; increasing awareness of the parties' principles, values and moral codes and of those of their opponents, which will make possible a shared perception of reality, vital for resolution. This self-reflection and improved mutual understanding encourages honesty in subsequent attempts at resolution; promoting trust in the other groups' commitment to resolving the conflict. In short, EA enables cutting through the myriad of perceptions to get to the heart of the conflict, and present it in a manner facilitating the next stage of the process, namely, resolution.