Fiscal revenues from non-renewable natural resources (NRNR)

Several countries in LAC are endowed with non-renewable natural resources (NRNR) mainly hydrocarbons and metals and minerals that constitute an important source of public revenues. These resources are, however, finite and the stream of revenues they generate is subject to high levels of volatility, as prices are set in international markets. Furthermore, the management of NRNR should also consider intergenerational equity ensuring that depletion of these natural resources would not compromise or restrict opportunities of future generations as well as the sustainability of the environment. As a whole, the LAC region has experienced two recent periods of high NRNR prices, between 2006 and 2008 and again between 2010 and 2014. However, only few countries (e.g. Colombia and Chile) have established reserve funds and put in place stabilisation mechanisms aimed at counterbalancing possible price volatility.