'The Role of Land in the Colombian Peacebuilding Process After the Peace Agreement with FARC-EP in 2016. Perspectives from Putumayo's Rural Communities

Lisa CANI

Master's thesis

The Role of Land in the Colombian Peacebuilding Process After the Peace Agreement with FARC-EP in 2016. Perspectives of Ex-Combatant and Conflict-Affected Communities.

Abstract:

For six decades, Colombia has been shaped by armed conflicts, inflicting harm upon millions of people. The 2016 peace agreement between the government and FARC-EP established a framework for reforms targeting conflict root causes, with land use and access as key components. These reforms are critical for rural areas, especially in regions like Putumayo, known for its geographical and ecological significance and history of state neglect. This neglect has led to high levels of informality and illegality, yet the postagreement period has spurred local initiatives and opportunities. This study employs qualitative research to explore Putumayo rural communities' perspectives on land use and access in peacebuilding. It enhances understanding by linking local knowledge with global insights, contributing to both academic and practical peacebuilding discourses. I find that environmental peacebuilding holds a huge potential, in Putumayo context, local communities act as key catalysts, of land-use and land-access reforms, but a coordinated, inclusive efforts from multiple actors is also needed. Finally, I discuss environmental peacebuilding is crucial, linking territory engagement with education, solidarity, and economic development, enhancing actors' agency and legitimacy.

Abstract:

For six decades, Colombia has been shaped by armed conflicts, inflicting harm upon millions of people. The 2016 peace agreement between the government and FARC-EP established a framework for reforms targeting conflict root causes, with land use and access as key components. These reforms are critical for rural areas, especially in regions like Putumayo, known for its geographical and ecological significance and history of state neglect. This neglect has led to high levels of informality and illegality, yet the postagreement period has spurred local initiatives and opportunities. This study employs qualitative research to explore Putumayo rural communities' perspectives on land use and access in peacebuilding. It enhances understanding by linking local knowledge with global insights, contributing to both academic and practical peacebuilding discourses. I find that environmental peacebuilding holds a huge potential, in Putumayo context, local communities act as key catalysts, of land-use and land-access reforms, but a coordinated, inclusive efforts from multiple actors is also needed. Finally, I discuss environmental peacebuilding is crucial, linking territory engagement with education, solidarity, and economic development, enhancing actors' agency and legitimacy.

Keywords

Putumayo, Peace-agreement, Peacebuilding, land, Communities, Territory

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 29. 5. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Lenka Dušková, PhD.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Global Development Policy / Global Development Policy