More than just the absence of violence, peace refers to the unifying of people and groups, not necessarily within one voice, but in a state of acceptance and cooperation.

Conflicts vary in nature, forms and potential. Some of them help to expose, address and overcome acute social and environmental problems, but others are destructive, having a long-lasting negative effect upon all parties directly or indirectly involved in a conflict. To utilize negative potential of any conflict it is essential to be able to adequately manage conflicts by transforming their destructive force into a creative energy.

Perhaps the most important aspect of a conflict is found in its eventual resolution. Facilitating opposing sides to work together to achieve a common goal can help resolve the conflict. A poor solution, however, can actually worsen the situation or cause problems to resurface at a later time.   Contemporary conflict analysis has developed effective conflict management mechanisms which can be universally applied in many conflict settings: on the level of individuals, groups, societies or nation states. Value is gained by a deeper understanding of the nature, roots and structure of conflicts and, most importantly, in enhancing the capacity of concerned parties to generate creative ideas to find common ground and develop mutually acceptable, win-win solutions.

Environmental conflict management, specifically, focuses on the use and management of natural resources, development and growth, individual and community health, and related concerns. Collaboration on issues relating to environment may also be used as a peacebuilding tool in post-conflict situations.  Thus, when negotiating environmental sustainability, in addition to human security, political, social, and economic aspects in conflict resolution are imperative. Considering that the environmental issues often transcend the national borders, there is a great opportunity to contribute effectively to the field of conflict management and peacebuilding efforts.

To build the leadership capacity of civil society activists and emerging leaders in conflict management, Global Majority and the University for Peace have partnered for this two-week training seminar on conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation, with an emphasis on Latin America and environmental peace-building. The seminar will build a basic foundation in conflict resolution and environmental peacemaking and provide advanced understanding of its application to specific Latin American conflict and environmental case studies.

Specific Learning Objectives

• Exposure to conflict theory, ethics, and history
• Gain basic knowledge/expertise in the elements of interest-based negotiation and mediation
• Deconstruct and analyze a conflict using the prescribed charting method
• Differentiate positions from interests
• Understand the outline of and be able to draft an opening statement for parties and mediators
• How to facilitate a negotiation or mediation
• Identify usefulness of a single-text document in advancing a negotiation or mediation
• Develop best practices in negotiation and mediation
• The role and responsibilities of a negotiator or mediator
• Identify and synthesize the peculiarities of environmental conflict resolution
• Attain familiarity with Latin American case studies
• Comprehend various impacts of human rights, culture, and gender in conflict resolution

By the end of the seminar, participants will be able to analyze a Latin American or environmental case study by applying the various methods and skills learned throughout the program.  This will require assessing the situation, identifying and understanding the role of the parties involved, detailing the parties' interests and then demonstrating how they apply to their positions, drawing in relevant objective criteria, and analyzing ways in which to address or advance the situation.