Natural resource exploitation in Western Sahara

May 15, 2024

Natural resource exploitation in Western Sahara: new research directions

In their 2021 review article, “Natural Resource Exploitation in Western Sahara: New Research Directions”, Joanna Allan and Raquel Ojeda-García provide a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted dimensions of natural resource exploitation in Western Sahara. Their work synthesizes existing research across various disciplines, including law, political science, economics, and activism, to identify critical gaps and propose avenues for future study.

The article delves into the legal and ethical implications of Morocco’s exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources, such as phosphates, fisheries, and renewable energy sources. It examines the role of international law, highlighting the European Court of Justice’s 2021 ruling that Morocco’s resource extraction activities in Western Sahara are unlawful without the consent of the Sahrawi people. This decision underscores the ongoing legal challenges to the legitimacy of resource exploitation in the region.

Allan and Ojeda-García also explore the environmental and social impacts of resource extraction, noting concerns over the depletion of freshwater resources and the exclusion of Sahrawi communities from the benefits of their land’s wealth. The article emphasizes the need for research that considers the perspectives of the Sahrawi people and addresses the broader implications of resource exploitation on their rights and livelihoods.

Furthermore, the authors advocate for interdisciplinary approaches to studying the issue, encouraging collaboration between legal scholars, environmental scientists, and social activists. They call for more empirical research on the ground to understand the full scope of exploitation and its effects on the Sahrawi population.

Allan and Ojeda-García’s article serves as a crucial resource for scholars and policymakers interested in the intersection of natural resource management, international law, and human rights in conflict zones. It provides a foundational overview of the current state of research and outlines essential directions for future inquiry into the complex dynamics of resource exploitation in Western Sahara.