Ecological path to peace may be easier, more direct than political

Published: 15 February 2018

Last updated: 4 March 2024

TRUMP'S DECISION TO move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem has revived tensions between Israelis and Palestinians

Approximately 40% of all intrastate conflicts since 1950 had a connection to natural resources. While dispute over natural resources can trigger conflict, cooperation over such resources can also foster dialogue and improve diplomatic relations.

Since 2005, direct provisions on natural resources have been included in all major peace agreements, which indicates an important shift towards ecological peace-building. In effect, the benefits (economic, health) which arise from efficient cooperative ecological management on high-value (timber, mineral, oil) and scarce livelihood resources (water, land) provide incentives for peace negotiations to evolve substantially.

In the conflict-prone Levant region, water is the scarcest resource and water demand is continually rising. Hence, one of the most critical challenges for the region is to achieve water security.

Considering the current lack of trust between Israel and Palestine, amplified by Trump’s lopsided diplomacy, pushing for an ecological and cooperative political agenda in the region is not an easy task. However, for any party to ignore or avoid the issue is to shoot oneself in the foot.

FULL STORY Ecological diplomacy: a green path towards peace in the Middle East (McGill Review)

Photo: Magill Review