Negotiating Coexistence: The Art and Science of Resolving Conflicts in Conservation

The conservation of biodiversity and natural resources is ultimately and unavoidably about managing conflict. Tensions arise from access to land, competition for resources, and human decision-making, which in turn are amplified by conflicts over managing wildlife, protected areas, sustainable use, and struggles over inequalities, divisions, livelihoods, poverty, development, and human rights. Essentially, conservation cannot achieve its goals without effectively helping address these conflicts.

Most biodiversity conservation professionals are trained in the natural sciences; biodiversity conservation, however, has become increasingly interdisciplinary. This textbook is a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing conflicts in conservation and explores the intersection of negotiation, conflict resolution, and biodiversity conservation by providing a practical framework for understanding and addressing such conflicts. In this book, the authors show how conflict resolution is both an art and a science. They explain the unavoidably messy, human nature of conflicts while providing a structured way of moving forward. The book introduces key conflict resolution principles, such as the importance of dignity, respect, and willingness, and provides a structured approach to understanding and analysing conflicts.

Written in an accessible, non-technical style, Negotiating Coexistence: The art and science of resolving conflicts in conservation, is an essential resource for anyone working in biodiversity conservation and related fields. By bridging expertise in negotiation and conflict resolution with the realities of conservation work, this book serves as a vital resource for practitioners, professionals, researchers, and students alike.