How does a conflict end? - A guest post by Phasita Toonsiri

In Natural Gas Symposium 2013: session #2 (Community Engagement and Policy Solutions), the resolutions of conflict between people were discussed. Also, land-use management and communication are mentioned to be the processes of the resolution. However, how do they work?

Land-use management has potential to limit the conflict between people who have different purposes in using land. For example, a residential area requires quiet environment, but a factory does not require the quiet condition. When a factory is allowed to be constructed in residential area, it might generate conflict in the area because the factory might make a loud noise during production process, and then disturb the residents. Land-use management can limit the conflict by grouping area used for similar purposes together, and separating area which has different purposes. Therefore, the conflict can be reduced because people in the area have same purposes and same requirements in using land. However, if a project started to operate and brought the problems such as noise pollution to the community, what process will work for solving this situation?

Communication is one of the answers for the above situation. The communication is used to make more understanding between people who have a conflict. Due to communication, the problems can be listed and the list can tell people about the problems that cause the conflict. Then, the problems can be solved; the conflict can be removed and people who suffer from the problems have recovery. However, not every problem can be solved by these processes. If sufferers continue to call for the resolution of the problems, what the project should do next? Shutdown?