Conflicts over land and natural resources are one of the triggers for deforestation and degradation of natural resources. When a conflict occurs, mutual distrust arises between the parties and/or stakeholders. As a result, the occurrence of unresolved conflicts reduces the incentives for the parties to properly manage land use and natural resources in a sustainable manner. For example, communities may feel they have no incentive to protect their forests when they are worried that others will cut down their forests. On the other hand, the company does not feel the need to protect its concession area because it is worried that other parties will not respect the boundaries of the concession area and use natural resources in the area they manage.

Furthermore, unmanaged conflicts can escalate into larger conflicts and manifest in destructive actions as a ploy by the parties to show their position. Actions such as land burning, detention of individuals, encroachment and destruction of plantations are examples of manifestations of conflict that can occur. Conflict events like this will make it difficult to get support and commitment from all stakeholders for projects that support sustainable management of land and natural resources. Therefore, conflict management is an inseparable part of the concept of sustainable land and natural resource management.