The master's program in Natural Resources and Peace (NRP) directly addresses the key issues of environment, sustainable development and peace. It provides the "Nuts and bolts" of sustainable development with an emphasis on the local level and on Latin America examples.

The program aspires to contribute to significant environmental and development issues, such as the prevention the global fresh water crisis, the recognition and empowerment of local and indigenous communities, the enhancement of biodiversity for global life supporting systems, and the identification and mitigation of conflicts that arise from development initiatives, natural resources management and environment issues. The four areas are closely related to each other, and it is expected that their integrated treatment will provide decision makers with concrete starting points for peace keeping, conflict prevention and transition towards sustainable development.

The justification for the NR&P program rests on the interaction between two main premises: (1) peaceful social relations contribute to the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources, and (2) the appropriate management of natural resources contributes to human security and peace.

Applicants to this program must hold an accredited bachelor's degree or equivalent, and should have substantive social science and natural resources coursework/experience relevant to natural resources and sustainable development. Applicants who can demonstrate significant previous international and multicultural exposure will be prioritized. English proficiency is a must  and some proficiency in Spanish is preferable. The candidates must also demonstrate a clear and concrete commitment towards community oriented development work in the natural resources, environmental and development sectors.

This program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for managing environment and development issues in a local and global context. These qualities aid graduates to formulate policies to advance sustainable development at the local, regional and global levels, to facilitate international cooperation in the design of sustainable development and environment policy, and to generate strategies for environmental conflict management. In addition, it is likely that the graduates will have acquired a working command of Spanish, as they will have to involve themselves in field work with local partners.

In addition, we expect the graduates of this programme to:

• Have strengthened their ability and skills to work in teams.
• Be fully up to date on development and environmental issues.
• Be smart and well informed activists in development/environment matters, in favor of the more vulnerable groups.
• Be promoters of change in their society back home.
• Take part in a strong and active network of alumni in the future, under the principles of UPEACE.

Graduates of the NR&P programme are likely to be employed by international and national environmental and development agencies and NGO's, working in close contact with local organizations, as well as for environmental and policy making institutions. Others are likely to pursue a higher education degree.

For more information visit the UPEACE website or click here to Apply Now