What is the first step in conducting conflict mapping?

The first step in conducting conflict mapping is to clearly define the scope and purpose of the conflict map. Conflict mapping is a visual tool used to analyze the actors, issues, and relationships within a conflict. Before starting to identify stakeholders or analyze relationships, it's crucial to establish what specific conflict is being mapped and what the map is intended to achieve. This involves identifying the specific issue or situation that is causing the conflict, the geographic boundaries of the conflict, the time frame being considered, and the overall goals of the mapping exercise. Defining the scope and purpose ensures that the map remains focused and relevant, preventing it from becoming too broad or unwieldy. For example, if mapping a conflict over water resources, the first step would be to define the specific geographic area affected, the types of water resources involved (e.g., river, groundwater), the time period under consideration (e.g., the last 10 years), and the goals of the map (e.g., to identify key stakeholders and their interests in the water resources).