Conceptualizing Community-based Environmental Peacebuilding in Cesar, Colombia

Abstract In conflict studies, environmental peacebuilding (EPB) has become an established concept to explain how cooperation among opposing parties provides a platform for peacebuilding. EPB literature been shaped predominantly by political science perspectives, initially with focus on interstate conflicts, and ecological dynamics have received little attention date. Building the Social-Ecological Systems Framework (SESF), we develop framework community-based test it in post-conflict settings department of Cesar, Colombia. We use qualitative mixed-methods approach, 26 semi-structured interviews, six group discussions, World Café session 30 participants. Our findings show that cases communities self-organize access, conserve, defend water land resources while striving achieve recognition their civic rights state actors. A central outcome within is (re)construction collective territorial identities increased social cohesion. However, does not contribute improving relations between private sector or state, thus failing strengthen actor relationships are essential Colombian Despite limitations this exploratory analysis, our approach proves fruitful integrating aspects understanding EPB. To further concept, future research should look other disciplines diversify key terms like resource value, cooperation, peace.