25 There are deeper sources of conflict as well. There are those who utilize their power and position to engage in land grabbing, use public and private land illegally, manipulate the land market to their advantage, and engage in nepotism and corruption. Moreover, land conflicts often reflect the deeprooted societal conflicts born out of inequality or unfair distribution of wealth, and discrimination against women, ethnic minorities and Dalits. Land conflicts can undermine social stability as they can increase fear and suspicion among neighbors and communities. In much of the country, informal and customary tenure systems continue to be practiced. Such tenure systems may or may not have legal basis and social recognition. But since many lands have no formal registration, local people’s tenure is not fully recognized. However, customary tenure in Nepal is fast-dying. Especially in the hill regions, customary social institutions regulate land use practices, and determine land allocations. Under Kipat, shifting cultivators used enjoy their land rights generated through customary tenure.10 Also, land allocations used to be based on the lineage or clan, to control the influx of outsiders. But as customary practices are eroded by statutory laws, these have given rise to land conflicts. Kipat was officially abolished in 1964, and limited to certain hill communities, in favor of individual property rights. However, there is ongoing debate between State and ethnic minorities regarding the recognition of customary land practices like Kipat, which had been legally abolished. Land has become one of the most contested resources, and many conflicts, even within families, are land-related. With escalating land prices, population growth, and the inheritance law, there has been increasing fragmentation of landholdings. Philippines Colonial land history. The roots of landlessness in the Philippines can be traced to its 400-year history colonization. Much of traditional land systems were destroyed when the Spaniards claimed all lands under the Regalian 10 Kipat refers to land collectively owned by the community (not by the State) and traditionally managed under usufructory rights. Regional Summary: A Perspective Overview of Land Conflicts in Six Asian Countries projects (roads, airports, and park expansion) and increasing army camps under a federal system.