Institute for Environmental Diplomacy and Security

The Institute for Environmental Diplomacy and Security(IEDS) is a transdisciplinary research center, based at the University of Vermont (UVM), aimed at the study and practice of techniques that resolve destructive environmental conflicts, and to using ecological processes as tools of peace-building. IEDs was founded under the auspices of the James M. Jeffords Center at UVM in 2010, which is named in honor of former US Senator James Jeffords.

Mission and programs

IEDS operates within a framework of 3 broad themes that capture its mission and vision:

Borderlands: Boundaries in physical and cognitive space can be defining themes of diplomacy. IEDS explores how human territoriality can be constructively configured so geopolitical boundaries work within ecological principles.
Resource Values: Natural resources have values in both economic and ecological terms, and often a disjuncture in these values leads to conflict. IEDS works to find effective mechanisms for ascribing, communicating, and implementing values that minimize conflict.
Pragmatic Peace: Public policy has often been polarized between "hawks" and "doves", with each side dismissing the other’s motives and methods. IEDS works to reconcile these differences by promoting a practically implementable vision of peace.

Within this framework IEDS has operationalized four major program areas:

Experiential Learning: Online and field oriented programs for conventional students and mid-career professionals
Measured Mediation: Providing mediation services with latest technical tools and measuring indicators of success
Participatory Action Research: Conducting empirical research that is calibrated to community needs
Clinical Case Compendia: Documenting diplomatic processes that lead to conflict resolution while providing security

Current funding support for IEDS comes from governmental and private grants. Training programs in environmental diplomacy and security as well as targeted mediation services are also planned as revenue sources for operations.^[1]

References

↑ IEDS at the University of Vermont

University of Vermont

Schools	Environment and Natural Resources Medicine

Facilities	Alumni House Centennial Field Dudley H. Davis Center University of Vermont Medical Center Grasse Mount Gund Institute for Ecological Economics Gutterson Fieldhouse Institute for Environmental Diplomacy and Security Ira Allen Chapel Morrill Hall Old Mill Patrick Gym Robert Hull Fleming Museum Proctor Maple Research Center Redstone University Green Historic District

Athletics	Basketball Men Women Football Ice Hockey Men Women Men's soccer

Media	Vermont Cynic The Water Tower WRUV

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