River bends - SPN processes Ripples - sharing learning, spreading influence Rapids - some challenges Reflections - on nature-based peace work

1. Nomination & selection of new participants The contribution of activities in the Wicklow hills (Glencree; Glendalough), the Scottish Highlands I. Introduction/Immersion - connections within new year group “The loch was like a mirror. A group of us were talking and there was a snort and I turned around 2001-2004: Selection by Glencree, but those not selected feel excluded; pressure from key stakeholders (Loch Glendhu; Glen Bruar) and South Africa (Imfolozi wilderness) include: and there was a big seal in the water. The water was so still that the ripples from the seal went 1. Selection & Preparation to nominate own “representatives”. • Defusing tensions out and out and out. I took from it that life is like that - from one thing, lots of other things ripple 2005-2007: Nomination and co-selection of new group by previous group - increased continuity between out and it affects a lot of other people.” year groups, but difficult to include those not represented in nominating group. 2. Working Agreement - participant-generated, constantly reviewed and revised “The wild setting created a 2008+: Nomination by previous group, selection and strategic nominations by expanded facilitation team. • Less distractions 1. Individual participants – spreading learning within own spheres of influence counterfoil for the tough 3. Sharing of life experiences - informally ( joint meals, travelling, walking, social time) and 2. Difficult group dynamics emotionally challenging formally (facilitated small group sharing, large group discussions) 2. “Ripples”organised by/between participants, for example “I love coming away to the work that went on within a) “non-combatants” struggling with dynamics between former combatants; remote places because no one a. Youth exchange (Derry-Warrington-Glencree) (2006) b) ensuring that everyone feels equally valued, given tendencies to differentiate between actions the house.” 4. Exploring difference and division - naming of “elephants in the room”, without getting b. GRIT youth project (2006+) can get in touch with you. of state v non-state combatants (“legitimate force” v “violence”) ; to distinguish between There’s nothing to disturb the trampled on c. Talks at various schools, community groups, public events (2005+) degrees of suffering (so-called “hierarchy of victims”) d. Meetings with visiting groups from Colombia, US, Haiti (2005+) work we are doing…” c) those from “wider society” and participants from Great Britain often finding it difficult to “fit” • Chances to connect: 5. Nature-based activities - use of “walk-and-talks”, solo time, exploring of local e. Co Louth Youth Council-NI exchange (2008) with others… environment, representing personal journey with natural objects f. Youth Leadership project (Derry, Belfast) (2008+) “As someone from the wider society I struggle to know where I fit…I feel silenced by the stories of those • Facing fears; who were directly involved.” shared vulnerability “Walking activities were 6. Rich in rituals - use of “talking stone”; candles and silence; specific rituals upon 3. Initiatives by Brandon Hamber (INCORE; SPN co-facilitator) very helpful to creating a entering and leaving the wilderness; closing ceremonies a. Research on Environment and Peacebuilding “It didn’t matter to me from b. Presentations, trainings, conference inputs (in NI and internationally) “When some things are said I can feel it boiling inside me…” what grouping in society the sense of camaraderie and belonging to a group with a “A week ago I wanted to withdraw. I was scared…but I have challenged myself and I wouldn’t have person sleeping inches from me “Seeing the human side is very difficult…they were perceived as enemies, but were also human beings; it common purpose.” missed it for anything in the world.” 4. Initiatives by Wilderness Foundation UK was from – I met them as a. Awareness-raising via WF UK publications, UK radio and newspaper interviews, was human beings you were killing, it is human beings who are grieving, that’s hard to see…that’s a big human beings with the same fundraising mountain to climb.” hopes and fears as myself II. Networking - connections between year groups 5. “Ripples” facilitated by Glencree and participants include 3. Programme Design - naming “elephants” from the past, without losing sight of common …there were more fears to be a. Roots of Reconciliation: Humanizing Enemies (August 2006 ground and vision for future overcome in the bush than fears 1. Nomination and support of new group of each other.” 2. Electronic communication & 2007) Conflicts in 2002 group led to unifying vision of sustainability and peace being emphasized in 2004 and 3. Annual all-group meetings b. Panels of SPN participants engaging with secondary and 2005 groups, but left too little time for “elephants in the room”. 4. Joint fundraising activities graduate students, community groups, local government From 2006 emphasis on thorny issues within each group , but not enough space directly to cultivate vision • …with self… 5. Steering group and other working groups leaders, business people (2005+) of sustainable peace. 6. Regular, smaller cross-group events c. Presentations at international conferences (USA, South “Great place to get away Africa) (2005-2006) 4. Cultivating the SPN and find ‘oneself’. In this d. “Sustainable Peace” weekend, Wicklow - for Glencree staff 2004-2007: Emphasis on developing and delivering cycle of activities for each new yeargroup; limited time “The reflection and learning has been deep and brought out values I never knew I had but values and volunteers (2008) environment people are in that will stay with me and be central to how I am with others.” and resources for network between the growing number of year groups. perspective – passing • …with nature e. Developing educational resources based on the SPN 2007 onwards: More emphasis placed on cross-year group activities and a more effective SPN steering through, tiny specks on a group put in place, though administrative and network management resources remain inadequate. 6. Use of mass media big horizon…” “I grew up in a city…I never III. Influencing - connections beyond the SPN (see “Ripples”) did anything physical, never a. “Brothers in Arms” short film – used at various fundraising, educational, and • Invitation to broaden and deepen “I am wrestling with the biggest challenge we face yet… Can we take this learning and shared cared about trees, land, teaching events, locally and internationally our understanding of peace b. BBC Radio 4 and RTE radio programmes on Glencree; documentaries for TV understanding and move it on?” anything…now I walk once a “What’s the point of making peace week with a friend I made “I find contradictions in myself: some days I just want to give up on all this peace stuff for it feels like I am between people if we destroy the through this project…I love pushing a car with a rope…is it going to work? I also know that I will not be happy if I give up.” planet we all depend on? What’s the “I have been on many this environment.” point of saving the planet if we keep things like this before but I on killing each other?” never ever got out of it like I did this time. This has been the most fantastic journey because of the wild place.”

Sustainable Peace Trail Map: Journey of the Sustainable Peace Network Sustainable Peace Trail Map: Journey of the Sustainable Peace Network Sustainable Peace Trail Map: Journey of the Sustainable Peace Network Sustainable Peace Trail Map: Journey of the Sustainable Peace Network

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation What is the “Sustainable Peace Network” (SPN)? Glencree is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation founded in 1974 as a response to violent conflict in and about . It conducts peacebuilding and reconciliation work in Ireland, north and south, Britain and internationally. The programme work cultivates peace and fosters reconciliation by facilitating dialogues, creating peace education Sustainable Peace Brief background Overall goal resources, organising programmes for a range of groups and much more.

Glencree is nestled in the at the top of the Glencree valley just 12 miles from . As highlighted by The SPN emerged from the Glencree Survivors and Former Combatants Programme, which To cultivate a growing network of leaders in sustainable peace work, within and between the the SPN this beautiful, peaceful setting contributes to the work taking place at the Centre. The oldest structures at Trail Map: promoted dialogue and sustainable relationships between victims/survivors, former combatants and Ireland. Glencree were built as a British military barracks in the early 19th century and have been restored by The Office of Public and wider society on the islands of Ireland and Britain from 2002-2008. Works. Specific aims The Wilderness Foundation UK Aware that there is no single route to reconciliation, and following a conversation between Alistair Little and Wilhelm Verwoerd, Glencree experimented by taking participants to South Over the past 35 years the Wilderness Foundation has been a pioneer in using wilderness and wild lands as a positive force Journey of the Sustainable Peace Network 1. To provide opportunities for personal growth for 100 potential leaders, by 2010; for leadership development and social change in the United Kingdom. Since 2001 it has worked in partnership with Africa and feeding back this experience into the Glencree programme and their local participants and Glencree to develop the SPN. communities. Encouraging feedback from a 2001 pilot visit enabled Glencree to secure funding 2. To promote sustainable relationships between victims/survivors, ex-combatants and to take two groups of those involved in and affected by “the Troubles” to South members of the broader society on the islands of Ireland and Britain; The Foundation divides its activities into 3 strands: Africa in 2002 and 2004. Experiential learning: Organising wilderness experiences and trails for schools and cadet forces as well as adult groups. Social Benefit programmes: Using wilderness experience and environmental sustainability as a common thread to connect 3. To enhance appreciation for the roles of wilderness or nature-based activities in people from vulnerable backgrounds to emphasise personal, environmental and social sustainability. On their return, the 2004 participants took the initiative and worked with peace cultivation. Wildlands Protection & Advocacy: Campaigning and lobbying for the conservation of wildlands and wilderness, raising Glencree and the Wilderness Foundation UK gradually to develop the public awareness of environmental issues. “Sustainable Peace Network”. This included selecting and fundraising for the international activities of a new group of diverse participants in 2005. The cycle INCORE: Who have been involved thus far? Established in 1993, INCORE (International Conflict Research) is a joint project of the United Nations University and the of previous participants nominating, supporting and raising funds for the University of Ulster. Combining research, education and comparative analysis, INCORE addresses the causes and international activities of the next group continued in 2006 and 2007 and is Total: 74 (Great Britain, , Northern Ireland) consequences of conflict in Northern Ireland and internationally and promotes conflict resolution management strategies. being sustained in 2008. Since 2004, each group has included about one third [plus 7 from Southern Africa – not included below)] It aims to influence policymakers and practitioners involved in peace, conflict and reconciliation issues. of participants from wider society backgrounds.

Funders Conflict background: As part of the Glencree Survivors and Former Combatants Programme the SPN has been supported by the European Union • Ex-combatants – 34 (State – GB, NI, RoI: 14, Loyalist: 10, Republican: 10); Cross-Border Consortium under the EU Peace II Programme and part-financed by the UK and Irish governments (2002- Programme • Victims/survivors (broadly defined) – 18 (from Great Britain: 5, Northern Ireland Protestant: 6, 2008). Northern Irish Catholic: 7); Each new group of 12-15 participants is taken on two journeys, as well as • Wider society – 22 (Church: 5, Youth: 4, Business: 5, Politics: 2, Women: 2, Education: 1, preparation and follow-up events. These journeys encourage the growth of Glencree: 2, Community: 1) enduring relationships through shared wilderness or nature-based activities. The first journey involves a four-day event in the Scottish Highlands (2005-7) or the Wicklow mountains (2008). Gender: The second is a two week journey to South Africa, which includes a five day wilderness trail in Male - 49; Female - 25 northern KwaZulu Natal. Funders and supporters to date of the international activities of the SPN include G&T Crampton, eircom, Fyffes, Jones Engineering, Slattery Travel, State Street Bank, Ulster Bank Ongoing involvement in SPN - 2004 to 2007 groups: Additional events and activities, mainly on the island of Ireland, encourage 70- 80% of participants ongoing networking between participants from previous year groups. Contact us: Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation “What I found most challenging was meeting and sharing Glencree, Co Wicklow, Ireland time with people that I hated and despised as ignorant, “I used to think of ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’ and Email: [email protected]; [email protected] wicked, cruel and evil… I was surprised at how quickly I then realized I wanted to kill the people who Tel: +353(0)12829711 adapted to many members of the group. I was very killed my son… then gradually I began to see Fax: +353(0)12766085 sceptical about certain people and was profoundly moved that you [ex-prisoners] are just normal human Website: www.glencree.ie by the method used to get us to use the ‘third space’ (wild beings…horrible, violent things are in all of us.” nature) to share the ‘things’, attitudes, values, whatever Wilderness Foundation UK that we had in common.” 47-49 Main Road, Broomfield “Listening to [ ] today made me think more deeply about victimhood… in a sense we are all Chelmsford, CM1 7BU, England “A lot of southerners [from Republic of Ireland] did not care a “I was on a reconciliation journey of the heart, mind and soul. in the same box…there are little holes in this Email: [email protected] damn…they buried their heads in the sand, almost like the ‘Before you can encourage peace in others you have to be at box and we all get in and out in different ways.” Tel: +44 (0) 1245 443073 middle and upper classes in Northern Ireland. Unless people peace with yourself’ became real for me. This would not have Fax: +44 (0) 1245 445035 were directly affected they just didn’t care…also in been possible without the close-to-nature experience.” Website: www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk England…and through this disinterest they almost colluded by thus allowing the conflict to continue.” INCORE In partnership with University of Ulster, Magee Campus Aberfoyle House, Northland Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 7JA. Email: [email protected] Tel: +44(0)28 71375500 Fax: +44 (0)28 71375510 For more details please see: Website: www.incore.ulst.ac.uk Sustainable Peace Guide at www.glencree.ie Sustainable Peace Trail Map: Journey of the Sustainable Peace Network Sustainable Peace Trail Map: Journey of the Sustainable Peace Network 2001 South Africa - pilot visit (Oct) SPN Trail Map Timeline - following the river 2 participants (loyalist & republican ex-prisoner)

13 participants “I grew up hating the ‘taegs’, throwing 2002 (survivors & former combatants) stones at them, at the ‘peelers’, at the Preparation (Sept) army... My journey in this project has South Africa (Oct-Nov) “I feel a bit like the weather – last led me to face up to things I never knew Follow up (Dec) night was tense, like a storm on I had inside me, it’s been a hard the mountain. Now it is peaceful journey…but I want to go deeper” with no wind or rain.”

18 participants (one third wider society)

2004 Preparation (April) 12 new participants South Africa (May) 5 Southern Africans (in SA) Follow up (June) “Initially I was Preparation (March) “... it was my time alone when scared… It was Scottish Highlands (April) I became introspective and Follow up (June) such a mixed Preparation (Sept) questioned myself. I isolated group of people. South Africa (Nov) personal dilemmas and Follow up (Jan 06) “Nothing short of life- But the shared stumbling blocks and vowed changing…the people I’ve stories help to “I leave behind the tears 2005 to act upon them.” met, personal ‘stories’ find common I shed on the hillside and experiences, ground.” this afternoon…” opinions, insights… from “At the beginning of this peace people I would never have journey I would rather have taken a either have come into physical beating, like those we got in contact with or have prison…than sit in the room with a wanted to meet! victim…”

12 new participants

Preparation (April) “My one son never really talks to Scottish Highlands (May) me…having a good relationship Follow up (Sept) South Africa (Nov) with this son is like climbing a Follow up (Jan 07) Mount Everest!”

“And then he started SPN: 14 new participants telling me about his Strategic planning (April) own life…my whole Annual gathering (June) 2006 Preparation (May) mind started to “At Glencree we talked about Network: Hosting Southern Africans Scottish Highlands (June) trust but at that stage if I was 04 & 05 gathering (June) Roots of Reconciliation (Aug) Follow up (Sept) “I went away with a feeling that change…seeing beyond Glencree Golf Classic (Sept) South Africa (Nov) there is such diversity in this the banners…beyond mountaineering I wouldn’t Project development Follow up (Jan 08) (04 participants): group, but also much honesty… the flags…beyond the trust anyone to hold the rope Scottish Highlands (April) The aftermath of conflict is so uniforms…I started to for me. I think I could trust Preparation (Sept) them now.” South Africa II (Oct) 2007 huge. This project is just the see the human being.” Fundraising dinners “Me as a 16-17 year old would have start of a process.” killed me sitting in this room now, given the views that I now have “Grieving is a difficulty about the conflict and making peace for me – I had two with enemies.” comrades who died in my arms in the conflict and 15 new participants many personal friends Preparation (Sept) died. I didn’t cry – it was “I was challenged mentally in Glendalough (Nov) Follow up (Jan 09) a war thing, a man thing.” hearing other stories and South Africa (May 09) experiences [which] allowed me to Follow up (June 09) move outside my comfort zone of believing that we were ‘right’.”

“Before, I was right and SPN: 2008 everybody else was wrong… Now Working group meetings Annual gathering (May) my life is more difficult, Roots of Reconciliation (Aug) because I know it is not as black Glencree Golf Classic (Sept) “The physical challenges and white as that….” involved in the experience gave me a sense of achievement, time to interact in a non-threatening way while taking in an inspiring setting.” “I found the forward planning at SPN: Steering Group meetings the end of programme difficult, as Scottish Highlands (May) there were still unresolved feelings, Annual gathering issues that we hadn’t quite covered Fundraising events For more details please see: Sustainable Peace Guide at www.glencree.ie – there just didn’t seem to be enough time.”