Flowing Together: Participatory Methods for Water and Peace

Conflict is inherently complex and deeply shaped by its context—especially when intertwined with climate change and water-related tensions. In fragile settings, these interconnections can intensify competition over scarce resources, strain governance systems, and increase the risk of violent conflict.

Despite advances in the understanding of the links between climate change, water, natural resources and security, practical efforts to address these links to develop peaceful solutions for managing increasingly scarce resources have been limited. Recent initiatives have shown that participatory methods for system analysis help communities understand the drivers of water-induced conflict and jointly develop sustainable, locally-grounded solutions.

There is a growing need for deeper knowledge on success factors that allow practitioners and stakeholders to jointly understand the links between climate, water, and peacebuilding. As part of an ongoing project alongside a literature review, this workshop aims to bring together experts and practitioners to reflect on lessons learned and explore how participatory system analysis can further support environmental peacebuilding efforts.

We will first share initial results from a literature review and expert interviews on key factors behind a successful application of participatory methods, with a conceptual framework. Then, participants will work in groups with case studies to analyse participatory processes and review success factors. 

Insights from this session will be integrated in the final results of the study on effective ways to engage with local stakeholders in understanding links between conflict, climate and water. The report aims to inform future programming and advocacy efforts.