Environmental Peacebuilding Strategies in the Middle East: The Case of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies
Publisher: Peace & Conflict Review
Author(s): Asaf Zohar, Stuart Schoenfeld & Ilan Alleson
Date: 2010
Topics: Conflict Prevention, Dispute Resolution/Mediation, Programming
Countries: Israel, Jordan, Palestine
This paper examines the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, focusing on organizational strategies for advancing environmental and peacebuilding efforts across Israel, Palestine and Jordan. The paper will argue that by developing a continuing resource base and a distinct organizational culture, the Arava Institute is able to act as a protective buffer in a region of conflict. It seeks to transform its surrounding societies through three main strategies: 1) by aligning its organizational culture with the life plans of the students who participate in its work; 2) by building both bridging and bonding social capital and; 3) by using this social capital to create new environmental networks both regionally and globally. The analysis highlights the ability of the organization to cultivate a culture of organizational learning, so that it is able to adapt to its changing context while at the same time remaining true to its core mandate.