THE GROWING debate over sand extraction is exposing deficiencies in how governments and private interests are managing one of the world’s most heavily consumed natural resources.

“Governments must recognise sand as a strategic asset and establish national inventories that capture its multiple values. This means establishing an inter-ministerial entity tasked with coordinating policy, developing a national roadmap for sand resources, and balancing competing uses across sectors and jurisdictions,” noted the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2026 report, Sand and Sustainability: An Essential Resource for Nature and Development.

“Multi-stakeholder platforms and long-term regional planning entities are essential to build consensus and coordinate sand supply with both baseline infrastructure needs, and future resilience demands. In parallel, reducing demand for naturally occurring sand and mainstreaming technically proven alternatives are central to long-term sustainability,” the report added.