Systemic conflict transformation for more sustainable conservation outcomes

Protracted conflicts are making it difficult to meet challenging conservation goals necessary to protect wildlife. Achieving conservation objectives requires new systemic approaches that address the complex social-ecological... [ view full abstract ]

Protracted conflicts are making it difficult to meet challenging conservation goals necessary to protect wildlife. Achieving conservation objectives requires new systemic approaches that address the complex social-ecological issues of conflict. Conflict transformation from the peacebuilding field is an underutilized relationship-centered process that when applied to conservation can tackle conflict complexity and work to create constructive social change that is critical for sustainable outcomes in wildlife conservation. I developed a conflict transformation approach within a conservation context for the Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT) to address intractable socio-ecological conflicts impacting the protection of the Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi), an endangered species. The conflict transformation platform integrated peacebuilding and experiential learning methodologies, including stakeholder interviews, conflict mapping, direct observations, and customized conflict transformation training workshops, to cultivate mutual understanding towards achievement of local conservation objectives. I evaluated the GZT conflict transformation platform from two disciplinary perspectives, systemic conflict transformation and learning and development, and its impact on GZT community conservation efforts. My analysis found that building field capacity within a proactive systemic conflict transformation model, that includes critical thinking and practical peacebuilding strategies and skills to address complex conflict dynamics, could provide a more productive path to address wildlife conflicts. Building the knowledge and skills of field teams to analyze and address conservation conflicts through a more holistic “lens” of conflict transformation, can provide opportunities to challenge existing assumptions about the symptoms of socio-ecological conflict, foster collaborative problem-solving approaches from a systemic perspective, and develop creative and innovative solutions that are built on the strength of relationships for more sustainable conservation outcomes.