Peace Through Parks on Israel’s Borders – Dream or Reality?
In areas fraught with conflict, is it possible to
advance conflict resolution through environmental discourse? A recent conference hosted by
Tel Aviv University’s Porter School of Environmental Studies explored this question through an examination of existing
peace parks, as well as possible future preserves.
The
wide-ranging discussion sought to apply theories of conflict resolution and
environmental peacemaking to local conflict in the Middle East. Touching on conservation, conflict resolution, local history, geography, ecology, and diplomacy, the participants underscored the importance of restoration efforts, local environmental maintenance, and the pursuit of peace through environmental cooperation.
For more, watch these presentations on YouTube (in English; with Timestamps):
Event Part One:
0:15:50
“Conservation to Conflict Resolution: Understanding the Theory and Practice of Peace Parks”
Dr. Saleem Ali, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont
1:36:28
“Peace Parks on Israel’s Borders: Lessons from South Sinai”
Dr. Dan Rabinowitz, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Tel Aviv University
1:55:49
“The Jordan River Peace Park: Post-conflict environmental peacebuilding between Israel and Jordan”
Gidon Bromberg, Israeli Director, Friends of the Earth Middle East
Event Part Two:
0:01:12
“The Golan Heights – A critical habitat with global significance”
Dr. Tamar Ron, Ecologist, biodiversity conservation consultant
2:11:01
Session Response:
Valerie Brachya, Director, Environmental Policy Center Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies
Photo: Golan Heights Panorama, Courtesy Flickr User Vad_Levin.