Support impartial delivery of the resources: There can be perceived inequalities in the allocation of reconstruction or humanitarian aid resources. It is important that government and international actors be transparent and communicate clearly their objectives in such circumstances, taking steps to mitigate any tensions between communities that may result from intervention. The early involvement of men and women from minority groups in planning reconstruction is a vital step, not least because it gives all groups the chance to work together in rebuilding their communities. Key Messages   Special attention to how projects impact differentially on minority and majority groups can help prevent harm and conflict. Transparency and participation in development planning can militate against harm. 4.5 ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The poor are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and lack of access to clean, affordable energy services. The special relationship between indigenous peoples and the environment has been well documented: the environmental protection of lands, territories and natural resources is integral to the cultural, spiritual and livelihood practices of indigenous peoples. More overlooked, however, is the impact of environmental and energy issues on minority groups and how the exclusion of minorities affects these sectors. Minorities are particularly vulnerable with respect to the environment. Researchers and activists have documented practices of ‘environmental racism’, which show that minorities are 64 more likely to be affected by environmental pollution than dominant groups (e.g. Bullard and UNRISD 2004). For example, they are more likely to live in polluted areas, to rely on contaminated water sources or to take jobs that expose them to higher risks of environmental harm. The effects of climate change could also be especially harsh for minorities. Already facing discrimination in access to basic services, water, land and energy resources, increased scarcity of these resources will further exclude minorities, possibly leading to inter-communal conflict over such resources. The political and economic marginalisation of minorities means they are less able to move out of environmentally harmful areas or harmful employment and less able to influence political decisions that determine environmental policy. Minority regions may be disproportionately affected by environmental change. For example, climate change can affect those living in low-lying coastal regions impacted by rising water levels, those living in mountainous regions by changes in vegetation and those who rely on pastoralism facing increased desertification. These changes can affect the livelihoods and cultures of minority groups, increasing their vulnerability to poverty and cultural erosion. Minorities also find it more difficult to access relief in circumstances of environmental disaster because of discrimination or the disproportionately under-serviced areas where they live. The specific livelihoods of minorities might expose them to greater threats from environmental degradation, which can increase rates of poverty. For example, minorities that traditionally engage in fishing will struggle with climate and environmental changes in coastal regions and pastoralists will suffer from desertification and other environmental changes across their traditional grazing territories. Minority livelihoods might be viewed incorrectly as harmful to the environment. For example, practices by ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia of shifting cultivation have been criticized by those who do not M A R G I N A L I S E D M I N O R I T I E S I N D E V E LO P M E N T P R O G R A M M I N g