Addressing Environmental, Climate, and Resource Conflicts Through the REDEFINE Project
The REDEFINE project, officially titled “Redefining Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding: Empowering CSOs for Sustainable Peace in Sri Lanka and the Maldives,” aims to fortify crisis preparedness in communities across selected districts in Sri Lanka and islands in the Maldives. By focusing on empowering youth- and women-led civil society organizations (CSOs) and local actors, REDEFINE seeks to tackle the underlying causes of environmental, climate-driven, and resource-based conflicts.
Funding and Partnerships
The REDEFINE project has received over EUR 1.3 million in financial support from the European Union. This funding is being implemented by two key partners: Chrysalis, a Sri Lankan NGO leading the project, and SIGS – Small Geographic Island Society, a Maldivian NGO working alongside Chrysalis.
Educational and Empowerment Focus
The initiative aims to build the resilience of communities faced with environmental threats and to establish multi-actor platforms that promote sustainable solutions to environmental issues. By empowering women and young people, the project seeks to harness these groups’ innate strengths to develop innovative environmental conflict resolution strategies.
“The European Union is committed to assisting Sri Lanka and the Maldives in achieving sustainable and inclusive development. The EU is pleased to support the work of Chrysalis and SIGS in building community resilience, and establishing multi-actor platforms to find sustainable solutions to environmental issues. Strengthening youth- and women-led activities will be a primary factor in enabling a sustainable pathway to innovative environmental conflict resolution strategies” – H.E Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union.
The Maldives Component
In the Maldives, the project will be introduced in collaboration with island and city councils and ten CSOs. Key partners include Women’s Development Committees in H Dh. Kulhudhuffushi City, L. Hithadhoo, K. Guraidhoo, and N. Kudafari. These islands face unique environmental conflicts linked to climate change and the exploitation of natural resources. Increased external pressure poses a significant threat to island ecosystems and the livelihoods of the local communities that rely on them.
“The Women’s Development Committees can play a significant role in making a difference through capacity building in this project. The Council is looking forward to this project” –
Mr Hussain Yameen, President of Guraidhoo Island Council.
SIGS and Local Governance
“The REDEFINE project is very aligned to the needs of the Maldives as well as the work SIGS is doing to empower local communities to manage their own local environments. As Maldivian islands are isolated, they all have unique environmental challenges. Partnerships between local governing bodies and civil society organizations are very important for local level governance. As such, building capacities of CSOs in local islands is very important.” – Dr. Mizna Mohamed, Director of Science and Innovation, SIGS.
Sri Lanka and Maldives: Building Solidarity
Ashika Gunasena, CEO of Chrysalis, further comments: “The Redefine Project provides a great opportunity to work with women and young people in Sri Lanka and the Maldives to address common and unique challenges in both countries and build solidarity between them and civil society organizations”.
The Impact and Importance of REDEFINE
The REDEFINE project serves as a beacon of hope for communities in Sri Lanka and the Maldives grappling with environmental conflicts exacerbated by climate change and overuse of natural resources. Through strategic partnerships, enhanced capacity building, and inclusive governance structures, the project seeks to not only mitigate immediate threats but also lay the groundwork for long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
With a commitment from the European Union and the dedicated efforts of local NGOs such as Chrysalis and SIGS, the REDEFINE project stands as a model for conflict prevention and peacebuilding in resource-constrained regions. By fostering environmental stewardship and community resilience, the initiative paves the way for a sustainable future for youth and women in its target communities.
Stay informed on the progress of the REDEFINE project and its impact on communities in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Your thoughts and feedback can help amplify the voices of these communities and support their journey towards sustainable peace.
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