In Search of Common Ground, Cameroon

In Search for Common Ground addressed violent conflict between Mbororo cattle herders and non-Mbororo farmers in the North West Region of Cameroon. Conflict in the area has a devastating effect on the environment caused by improper use of natural resources and limited capacity to natural resources. The initiative promoted natural resource management and thus peace building between these two groups through the use of alternative conflict management tools such as Dialogue Platforms, which are an example of deliberative democracy in action. Water management committees have initiated market gardening and bee keeping and have consequently led to cross-community solidarity that discourages poor governance and corruption because there are fewer opportunities to take advantage of fractured social ties.

Presenter(s)

A Green Blue Deal for the Middle East, Israel, Palestine, Jordan

EcoPeace Middle East is a unique non-profit non-governmental organization that brings together Jordanian, Palestinian, and Israeli environmentalists. EcoPeace was founded in 1994 to advance sustainable regional development and the conditions for peace by promoting collaboration around shared environmental challenges, especially the need for water. By promoting an understanding that, from an environmental perspective, we are all in the same ‘boat’, EcoPeace seeks to replace policies that fail to take into account the interdependencies of the shared environment with policies that acknowledge a broader perspective of self- interests, and foster leadership prepared to deepen areas of cooperation and trust even in the midst of conflict.

Presenter(s)

Applying Conflict Sensitivity to Natural Resources Management, United Kingdom

Alert is working with communities and authorities to address tensions in Bekaa Valley, Eastern Lebanon. Water quality was identified as a one of the main sources of tensions there due to challenges in poor waste management and increasing populations. In 2016, Alert supported the establishment of a dialogue group made of community leaders in Bekaa to discuss ways in which water quality can be improved and propose community-led, confidence-building initiatives that improve relationships between communities. Alert has since, been accompanying the group to build its capacity in conflict analysis, tension mapping, perceptions monitoring, and in advocacy to raise awareness of and address water-related and other tensions. Alert has supported the group in cultivating positive relations with municipalities in Bekaa to conduct a conflict sensitivity needs assessment for them. Findings of this assessment will inform the development of a toolkit tailored for municipalities to improve conflict- and gender-sensitive provision of services. Also, to inform a coaching and accompaniment plan that Alert will implement to improve capacities of those municipalities in engaging with local communities following conflict- and gender-sensitive communications approaches. Results and recommendations of this assessment will come out in August and will be presented during the WFD.

Presenter(s)