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Global Fund

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Project Outline

The Fund for Global Environment http://www.cicr-columbia.org/wp-admin/plugins.phpand Conflict Resolution is a joint initiative between the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea (The Ministry), and Columbia University’s Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR), which seeks to enhance understanding of the global environment and conflict resolution in order to protect societies and the environment in a sustainable, constructive and peaceful manner.

Rationale

In recognition of the hazardous and potentially destabilizing role played by environmental degradation and climate change in the eruption, re-ignition or escalation of international deadly conflict, in provoking global insecurity and impeding sustainable development in post-conflict environments, The Ministry and CICR have engaged in a partnership to further research, collaboration and understanding in these vital, cross-cutting fields.

Objectives

  • To promote working relationships between prominent scholars at Columbia University, in Italy and in the international realm – including those from developing countries – around the issue of the global environment and conflict resolution.
  • To encourage the exchange of lessons learned and best practices regarding environmental concerns and the role of climate change in fragile states, post-conflict environments and in promoting sustainable development.
  • To develop a greater understanding of the role of environmental and climate change with respect to conflict prevention, conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction, international security and sustainable development in general.
  • To publish and disseminate widely the findings of research and projects.

Focus Areas

The Fund has three major focus areas:

  1. Fragile states and the field of conflict prevention – specifically in China, the Middle East and North Africa with respect to conflicts or potential conflicts fuelled by natural resources, deforestation, and the role of renewable energy within these frameworks;
  2. In conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction – specifically the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Peru and Colombia, focusing on environmental solutions and sustainable development policies;
  3. In international security and climate change, in general, taking into consideration the impact of the current financial crisis and potential consequences on the field, with particular attention on water scarcity.

Outputs/Outcomes

Outputs: scholarships, fellowships, scholarly articles, journals, books, new media, website, research projects, curricula, seminars, panels, roundtables and conferences.

Outcomes: enhanced understanding of: the global environment and international conflict resolution; aid effectiveness in areas of interest for the Italian ministry; and, enhanced international cooperation among actors in fields relevant to the environment and conflict.

Further Information

CICR Fund for Global Environment and Conflict Resolution Overview

Global Fund Announcement

May 13, 2009
Understanding the Roles of the Global Environmental and International Security
New York, NY – The Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR) at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea announce the establishment of the Fund for Global Environment and Conflict Resolution.

Through the Fund, the Center for International Conflict Resolution will promote research conducted by prominent scholars at Columbia University, in Italy and around the world, as it pertains to issues of global environment and conflict resolution. The Fund will provide support for research, teaching and fellowships over a period of three years.

The Fund for Global Environment and Conflict Resolution is a joint initiative between Columbia’s Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR) and the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea. It seeks to enhance understanding of the global environment and conflict resolution in order to protect societies and the environment in a sustainable, constructive and peaceful manner. The initiative recognizes that environmental degradation and climate change can escalate conflict, provoke insecurity and impede sustainable development in post-conflict environments.

“The global challenges of today’s interdependent world, such as the challenge posed by climate change, require the integration of conflict resolution into security strategy,” said Aldo Civico, director of the Center for International Conflict Resolution. “This initiative is a promising demonstration of a partnership which combines teaching, research, policy and practice.”

The Fund has three major focus areas. First, it will look at the relationships between sustainable development and post-conflict in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Peru and Colombia where the Italian Ministry has ongoing activities. Second, the research will focus on the prevention of potential conflicts in the use of natural resources, paying particular attention to China, the Middle East and North Africa. Third, the research will focus on the relationship between climate change and international security. The Fund will also provide the opportunity for fellowships and scholarships, for scholars and students interested in these areas.

“Currently working in 47 developing countries, the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea is uniquely positioned to offer its experiences in identifying local needs and local solutions needed to build the future and remediate the past where harmful effects of war have negatively impacted the environment or where poorly devised economic growth policies threaten to do so,” said Dr. Corrado Clini, the ministry’s Director General. “Our experience will form the basis for our research and teaching with Columbia University and we are very proud to share our learnings with this important and prestigious university.”

SIPA’s Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR) contributes to the resolution of international deadly conflict through research, education and practice. CICR strives to increase understanding of international conflicts through innovative, collaborative research and is committed to offering courses that disseminate knowledge about conflicts and their causes.

The Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea (IMELS) was established in 1986. Within its scope of competency lie responsibilities related to: sustainable development, protection of territory, pollution and industrial risks, international protection of the environment, appraisal of environmental impact, nature conservation, waste and cleanup, and protection of seas and inland waters. The Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea is strongly committed to promoting and supporting international partnership and cooperation towards global sustainable development.

For further information, please contact Jessica Baen at 212-854-0471 or jrb2178@columbia.edu.