Caring for the Caretakers: Staff Well-being as a Foundation for Environmental Peacebuilding

Yana Abu Taleb, EcoPeace Middle East (Jordan)

Environmental peacebuilding focuses heavily on communities, ecosystems, and policies, while unfortunately overlooking the well-being of those implementing this work. Yet organizations working in fragile and conflict-affected contexts depend on resilient and motivated staff to achieve their missions. Without attentive attention to staff well-being, the sustainability of peacebuilding initiatives can be undermined. Drawing on the experience of EcoPeace Middle East, this contribution explores how human resource strategies that prioritize well-being strengthen the foundations of environmental peacebuilding. EcoPeace’s model, bringing together staff from Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, highlights the importance of organizational resilience in sensitive and challenging environments. The presentation will reflect on HR approaches such as promoting flexibility and balance, embedding inclusivity and gender equality, and creating safe and supportive work environments. By caring for the caretakers, organizations can definitely ensure continuity, build trust, and foster the necessary resilience for long-term peace and environmental cooperation.