Interdisciplinary master students Aloïs Aguettant, Mathilde Bolduc, Samantha Elaine Groulx and Jungsoo Lee presented their Applied Research Project (ARP), the “Blue Peace Project”, at the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Marseille, France in September 2021.
The project, which was developed in close partnership with the IUCN’s Building River Dialogue and Governance (BRIDGE) team, focused on establishing links between “a gender responsive approach, transboundary water cooperation and blue peace”.
The students presented research at the Congress that focused on practical recommendations for practitioners based on findings collected from interviews with experts, academics and policy-makers with this approach in mind.
“Our project seeks to go beyond simply counting women in, but rather, we propose the use of an intersectional and gender-transformative framework as the most effective way of governing transboundary waters”, explained the Blue Peace team members. ”Attending the IUCN World Congress galvanised our work. We realised that the interest for intersectionality in environmental affairs is present, and that there is a big gap to be filled. We are hopeful that this is something that our research will modestly participate in”.
Leading up to their presentation, the students were engaged in a number of events and conferences, from “Youth in Nature Conservation” workshops, to breakfast with climate negotiator Johanna Lissinger Peitz, which were opportunities for learning and inspiration.
“What a tremendous achievement for the students to present their Applied Research Project to an international audience. I am so proud!”, relayed Claire Somerville, Lecturer and Executive Director of the Graduate Institute’s Gender Centre. She and PhD candidate Bram Corydon Barnes were integral figures in helping the team with their research.
“Our team was strengthened by the experience of supporting each other throughout the process, along with travelling together and by seeing our work come to life”, noted the members. “We learned the importance of real connection and deep listening to have a better understanding of our topic of study”.
Pictured in photo from left to right: James Dalton (Director, IUCN Global Water Programme), Aloïs Aguettant, Mathilde Bolduc, Jungsoo Lee, Claire Warmenbol (Communications and Partnership Manager, Global Water Programme (IUCN))