Exploitation of Natural Resources in Cross-Border Areas

Abstract

Rational exploitation and utilization of natural resources is more difficult in cross-border areas than in other areas. First of all, most cross-border areas are composed of either geographically- or geologically-dynamic features such as mountains, rivers, lakes. As a result, there are rich natural and environmental resources in these cross-border areas. Moreover, cross-border resource management is constrained by the number of independent stakeholders involved. The primary reasons for this come from the uneven spatial distribution of production factors as well as the non-cooperative cross-border mechanism resulting from two or more political regimes. Facing with the cross-border complexities, policymakers have been always shortsighted, emphasizing on the direct costs and benefits of their own regional development at the expenses of their neighbors. In addition, research institutions and international donor agencies have not paid full attention to the problems common in cross-border areas. Consequently, cross-border resource management remains a marginalized, easily forgotten topic.