Peace is significant for any country that seeks prosperity because it is easier to uplift the economy in a peaceful environment.
This majestic planet has been bearing witness to mankind’s endless plundering of valuable natural resources such as ivory and diamonds, water, and land, amongst others. These sought-after bounties of nature have been the source of conflicts and wars all over the world. We need to dismantle the systems that oppress our beloved Nature and fellow sentient beings. Only then, can the sacred vision of a just and peaceful world manifest into a reality.
So, have we ever considered whether it is possible to rebuild our world through ecological diplomacy? More importantly, can the environment be a gateway to restoring peace and sustainability in the long run?
What is Environmental Peacebuilding?
“Environmental peacebuilding encompasses all forms of cooperation on environmental issues which simultaneously aims at or de facto achieves the transformation of relations between hostile parties towards peaceful conflict resolution.” (Ide/Scheffran 2013: 15).
The UN’s Environmental Cooperation for Peacebuilding program outlines the linkages between natural resources, the environment, and peacebuilding opportunities.
A few Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental peacebuilding are :
- Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13 Climate Action
- Goal 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Goal 17 Partnerships for the Goals
Why Should We Promote Environmental Peacebuilding?
Peace and sustainable development are inextricably linked. Without a peaceful environment, it can prove challenging to strive for progress. Direct impacts of environmental conflicts include widespread pollution and habitat destruction of indigenous communities and wildlife. On the other hand, indirect impacts of environmental conflicts are poverty, hunger, and displaced communities due to the breakdown of business and societal structures.
For these reasons and more, environmental peacebuilding has the potential to reduce conflicts and enhance security both locally and globally. How? By developing sustainable livelihoods and enhancing cooperation between two parties that may be in conflict.
What are Some Successful Conservation and Peace Efforts?
For over 150 years, Peru and Ecuador have been in conflict over territorial borders. Sensing the urgency, several international and local conservation groups and indigenous communities collaborated with the military in the 90s. What happened next was how conservation measures were used to successfully advance peace between hostile countries. The Cordillera Condor was the first international peace park to be established in the world and continues to serve as a model for fostering peace.
Another notable example is India and Pakistan signing the Indus Water Treaty in 1960. This water distribution pact was brokered by the World Bank, in a signatory role. Also, North Korea and South Korea are planning their demilitarized zone (DMZ) peace park where ecosystems can rejuvenate.
How to Build Your Knowledge on Environmental Peacebuilding?
Join the massive open online course (MOCC) on Environmental Security and Sustaining Peace. This course is free and self-paced. Once you have gained the relevant skills and knowledge, you can join forces and network with other participants.
https://www.environmentalpeacebuilding.org/education/mooc
Read environmental peacebuilding initiative books.
The Way Forward
If the world continues to self-populate at an unsustainable pace, we will eventually face scarcity in resources to feed, house, and clothe everyone. Ultimately, this will result in extreme competition for natural resources driving conflicts. Nevertheless, peacebuilding initiatives can ensure that natural resources are harnessed as crucial tools to sustain peace.
Change begins with awareness, spreading the knowledge by education and ultimately, making a difference by taking conscious action. By deepening our commitment to this planet and redefining the way we live our lives, we can choose to act for our fellow beings and this planet we call home. In other words, healing the earth heals us as we are all deeply interconnected to one another. Above all, as compassionate people of this shared world let us speak up for Nature and not let her be a silent victim.