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

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.

Alexandra Zimmermann, WildCRU, Zoology, Uni of Oxford,Brian McQuinn, University of Regina, Canada

Alexandra Zimmermann specialises in conservation conflict resolution, a topic she has worked on as a practitioner, researcher, trainer and advisor for over 25 years. Based at the University of Oxford, she is also the founding Chair of the IUCN SSC Human-Wildlife Conflict & Coexistence Specialist Group and the Director of the Centre for Conservation Diplomacy. Her work focuses on the hidden social causes of conflict, community-led solutions, policy development, dialogue and negotiation. She plays an active role in international policy, facilitating implementation and cross-sectoral collaborations, and advising a range of governments, intergovernmental organisations and foundations. With degrees in zoology and conservation science, including her doctorate from Oxford University, she also extensively trained in facilitation, non-profit strategy, and conflict negotiation.

Brian McQuinn is a peacebuilder, humanitarian, and academic with nearly three decades of experience. His career has taken him to over 25 conflict-affected countries, where he has facilitated peace talks, supported Nobel Peace Prize Laureates in Nepal and Timor-Leste, and negotiated with more than 65 armed groups across Libya, Nigeria, and South Sudan. Brian has held positions at the United Nations, The Carter Center, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. He earned his doctorate from the University of Oxford. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Conflict, and Data at the University of Regina.