In this episode, we journey through uncharted territories of conflict resolution, where peace takes centre stage. Dive into the heart of Environmental Peacemaking with the European Institute of Peace – where green solutions meet global challenges!

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of the What’s That Green? Podcast. Today, we’re embarking on a captivating journey into the realm of environmental peacemaking with the incredible Amy Dallas, an assistant in the climate and environment peacemaking program at the European Institute of Peace.

Tackling Conflicts Through an Environmental Lens:

Picture this: A world where conflicts are approached through the lens of the environment. That’s exactly what the European Institute of Peace (EIP) is doing. Established in 2014, EIP is a beacon of hope dedicated to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and mediation across more than a dozen countries. At its core lies the groundbreaking Environmental Peacemaking Programme, created in 2020, which aims to mediate conflicts through an environmental perspective.

West African Project: A Closer Look:

Our adventure takes us to West Africa, specifically the Sahel region, where EIP is actively engaged in the project “Tackling the Root Causes of Conflict in Liptako Gourma.” Amy unfolds the intricacies of working on the ground, emphasizing collaboration with local organizations rather than imposing external solutions.

“We really wanted to support processes and organizations that are already present. They’re working on the ground. They know the context better than anyone.”

Through interactive workshops and capacity-building sessions, EIP bridges the gap between conflict resolution and environmental management. Yet, navigating the complex political situations in West Africa sheds light on challenges such as water scarcity and governance intertwined with environmental peacemaking.

“It’s a huge problem that we’re actually even seeing in Europe already with all of the forest fires we’re having.”

Moreover, the role of climate finance in conflict-affected countries highlights the pressing need for increased flexibility and generosity in funding to support adaptation strategies.

“Countries that are suffering from climate change and conflict are normally not very stable, and so they don’t really have the capacity or the infrastructure or the funding to develop these kinds of adaptation strategies.”

Anticipating Climate-Induced Migrations:

As we wrap up, the looming challenge of climate-induced migration underscores the urgency for early intervention and collaborative efforts. Amy leaves us with a poignant reminder of the shared responsibility we all bear.

“It’s such a new concept, and it might sound, I’m sure, to many more traditional people in the field, it does sound a bit airy fairy. But you know, people, like indigenous communities, people on the ground, have been using these strategies for years and years to solve conflicts or to prevent them, so it’s really not such a radical approach.”

In this episode, we ventured into the unexplored territories of environmental peacemaking, gaining profound insights into the challenges, triumphs, and collaborative efforts shaping the future of conflict resolution in the face of climate change. Stay tuned for more green adventures on the What’s That Green? Podcast, where nature meets innovation, and positive change blossoms in every conversation.

• Host and Editor: Fanny Téoule 

• Guest: Amy Dallas from the European Institute of Peace

• Music composer: Jenny Nedosekina 

• Graphic designer: Anastasia Bekasova