Exploring the Eco-Peace Nexus with ASMUPROPAZ: between socio-ecological practices and the reintegration process of ex-combatants in the Colombian Amazon

In the aftermath of armed conflicts or war, the reintegration of ex-combatants is a complex social process that involves numerous challenges at various levels, necessitating innovative and comprehensive approaches. These reintegration mechanisms need to go beyond traditional notions of social rehabilitation, encompassing a broader understanding of the multifaceted challenges that individuals and communities face when the conflict ends. Thus, the integration of both social and ecological dimensions in order to create a successful reintegration process becomes crucial for sustainable and holistic post-conflict recovery. In other words, by acknowledging the interconnectedness of social and ecological dimensions in post-conflict reintegration, innovative approaches can be developed to address the root causes of conflict, promote sustainable development, and contribute to lasting peace.

In this context, this short paper explores the dynamic and complex relationship between peacebuilding efforts and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned in the pursuit of holistic reintegration of FARC ex-combatants in post-conflict Colombia. The study centres around the women’s grassroots organisation ASMUPROPAZ, situated in the municipality of La Montañita within the Department of Caquetá, a vital part of the Amazon Region of Colombia. ASMUPROPAZ, as a women’s grassroots organisation, emerges as a compelling case study illustrating the interplay between socio-ecological practices, community development, reintegration of ex-combatants and environmental sustainability.

After conducting twelve structured interviews with members of this organisation, this paper explores how ASMUPROPAZ catalyses innovative approaches to reincorporation addressing socio-ecological activities, incorporating environmental conservation with community empowerment and economic development. The organisation’s commitment to environmental and gender-inclusive strategies provides an additional layer of complexity and richness to the reintegration process, Climate Change, Sustainability and Socio-ecological Practices 675 addressing the unique needs and contributions of women in post-conflict settings. Also, this paper unpacks the synergies between peacebuilding and environmental sustainability, offering insights into best practices and potential pitfalls. By shedding light on ASMUPROPAZ’s journey, this study contributes to the broader discourse on post-conflict reintegration, emphasising the importance of grassroots initiatives in achieving a harmonious balance between societal healing and environmental protection in conflict-affected regions.

Furthermore, in this paper, we present and explore the term Eco-Peace Nexus. It refers to the interconnected relationship between environment protection, community development, quality of life, ex-combatants’ reintegration, and the promotion of peace. The paper’s main contribution rests in the idea that the Eco-Peace Nexus perspective suggests that promoting environmental sustainability can be a means of fostering longterm peace after armed conflicts, and conversely, that peacebuilding efforts should take into account environmental and socio-ecological contexts. For us, this interconnected approach acknowledges that the well-being of communities and ecosystems are intertwined and that addressing environmental concerns can contribute to long-term stability and conflict prevention.