"We students, both Arabs and Israelis, still disagreed
on much, but … despite our struggles the dialogue was
necessary. We have to talk because we are environmentalists.
The air and the water don't know borders. A good environment
needs a stable political situation and turning our backs
on what is happening will not change anything."
- Mohammed of Jordan, 2004 graduate of AIES |
|
The Middle East faces numerous environmental challenges
from management of scarce water resources to declining
air quality and urban sprawl. These challenges are exacerbated
by the lack of cooperation and continued conflict among
the region’s nations. USAID’s Office of
Conflict Management and Mitigation (DCHA/CMM) with its
partner, the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies
(AIES), is training future leaders to manage and mitigate
conflict and confront the region’s environmental
challenges through peaceful measures.
Since 2004, DCHA/CMM has funded approximately 45 Arab
and Jewish Israelis, Palestinians and Jordanians to
attend the year-long AIES program, which fosters strong
interpersonal relationships among a diverse student
body. Program components include rigorous leadership
training, emphasizing reconciliation techniques, and
a comprehensive academic program focused around the
environment. As a result, students learn to work together
and see beyond religion, culture and politics to confront
environmental issues in their communities.
Roee, an Israeli, and Laila, a Jordanian, met at AIES.
Roee had never seen a woman wearing a Hijab up close
until he saw Laila. At first he didn’t know what
to think; he was surprised that someone who was very
religious would study at AIES. However, Roee and Laila
began spending time together, became friends and developed
a deep respect for each other’s knowledge and
opinions. Roee stopped seeing the Hijab and saw Laila
instead.
Laila also learned to reshape her perceptions. During
the semester, Laila came out of her room and saw an
Israeli soldier walking on campus. Out of fear, she
pulled her door closed and hid. Her only previous contact
with soldiers had been at checkpoints. To Laila, these
experiences were always unpleasant and humiliating.
Later, Laila realized that inside the uniform was her
friend Roee who she respected.
Approximately 80% of AIES graduates now work as activists
in the field, in nongovernmental organizations or in
governmental agencies. In addition, they have started
over 12 new environmental and peace organizations in
Israel, Jordan and the
Palestinian Authority.
|
