The Peacebuilding Promise of Environmental Management: Lessons on Environment, Climate Change, Security and Peacebuilding
Publisher: Conciliation Resources
Date: 2026
Topics: Climate Change, Cooperation, Governance
This paper identifies how and when environmental cooperation can support collaboration between conflict parties, and examines how the intentional, inclusive management of natural resources can function as a strategic entry point for conflict transformation. Drawing on programming experiences across South Asia, the Pacific and Africa, the report emphasises that environmental interventions must look beyond purely technical solutions and engage with underlying power relations. The paper highlights that positive environmental and peacebuilding outcomes do not occur automatically, and must be intentionally considered and designed. It provides practical lessons on centring customary knowledge, promoting gender-transformative dialogue, and building holistic, multi-level peace infrastructures.