Environmental Peacebuilding Training for Executives from Colombia
Participants in the Environmental Peacebuilding Executive Education Training, led by AC4 and CIESIN, the Center for Information and Earth Science Information Network. It took place September 26–30, 2016, at Columbia University campuses in New York City and Palisades, New York.
With colleagues at the Center for Information and Earth Sciences Information Network (CIESIN), AC4 designed and offered a one-week intensive executive training program in Environmental Peacebuilding. Fifteen professionals, most from the Universidad de los Andes in Bogatá, Colombia, participated during September 26th-30th at Columbia University.
The program prepares mid-level managers to understand the dynamic connections between environment and security, and equips them with the tools for managing the risks. The course covered topics ranging from environment-peace-security linkages and theory of conflict resolution for environmental peacebuilding, to assessment methodologies, data collection and visualization tools, and related communications issues. Faculty from CIESIN included Marc Levy, CIESIN Deputy Director; Minal Patel, program manager; and Carolyn Hayek, research intern. AC4 Team included Beth Fisher-Yoshida, AC4 Co-Executive Director, and Josh Fisher, AC4 Director, as instructors; and Meredith Smith, program manager.
Participants were involved in a dynamic learning environment that drew from theory and case studies, with guest lectures, technical trainings and hands-on exercises interspersed throughout. During the first part of the week, classes were held at Columbia’s Morningside campus and included field visits to the International Peace Institute, the NYC Emergency Management, and the Data-Pop Alliance. The fifth, final day took place at the Lamont campus in Palisades, New York, and featured a presentation on climate vulnerability mapping, and hands-on training in geographic information systems (GIS), by CIESIN associate directors Greg Yetman and Alex de Sherbinin.
To learn more about Environment, Peace and Sustainability Programs, email mms2258@columbia.edu.
Great article. Peace on Earth.