In a world fractured by the effects of environmental degradation, political turmoil, economic crises and chronic famine it is self-evident that cultures of peace depend on good governance and equitable access, utilization and distribution of natural resources.

The world is characterized by skewed trade in natural resources, deforestation, geopolitical struggles over oil and gas supplies, desertification and increasing environment-related diseases among other issues. This raises important questions about how humans currently - and in future should organize the governance of natural resources and environments upon which they depend.