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.

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.