Juliane Schillinger

University of Twente
Netherlands

Aug 1, 2023

Juliane Schillinger is a PhD candidate at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, specializing in the Department of Governance and Technology for Sustainability. Her research focuses on understanding the effects of conflict on local water management in the Middle East. Initially trained as an environmental scientist, Juliane's passion for natural resource management grew after completing her Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences and Ecohydrology at the University of Freiburg in Germany. She came to the realization that although the ecological aspects of the environment are crucial, ultimately human actions shape outcomes.

This motivated her to earn a Master's Degree in International Land and Water Management, specializing in Adaptive Water Management, from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Her interest in water politics was sparked by one of her professors who discussed tensions in the West Bank. She began working on water management in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict alongside her professor. Her research focused on water governance and climate adaptation in the West Bank, specifically analyzing how policies were organized to address water-related issues. She explored the extent of their effectiveness and the limitations imposed by the ongoing conflict. After completing her Master's, she primarily worked on water-related projects concerning the Jordan River.

Her areas of interest encompass water cooperation, water diplomacy, water governance, and post-conflict reconstruction, among others. She is particularly intrigued by how the environment is affected during conflicts. In her ongoing doctoral research, she focuses on the Middle East, examining Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen. In order to gather insights and information, she began closely monitoring the work of humanitarian organizations (such as the Red Cross), as they often publish primary-source information not commonly found in the academic literature. In July 2022, she started to work for the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre in the Netherlands, dedicating her efforts to climate adaptation in regions affected by conflict. This work not only aligns with her academic interests but it also provides her with a first-hand understanding of how the work directly influences the lives of individuals.

During her PhD journey, in the first couple of years, Juliane devoted her attention to comprehensive learning opportunities. This involved examining various case studies and exploring international organizations. Subsequently, she focused on identifying suitable case studies for her PhD and establishing connections between them. In this process, she sought to understand the complexities of conflict contexts and their long-term implications. She examined aspects such as coping strategies employed by communities, the process of infrastructure restoration following damage caused by urban warfare, and the sustainable and effective sharing of water resources among local communities and specific neighborhoods. Her research concentrated on Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, providing insights into the long-term development and resilience of these regions. Her combination of academic research and practical support to the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre nurtured a strong interest in bridging the gap between research and real-world applications, particularly in the humanitarian field, with a specific focus on environmental peacebuilding.

Juliane serves as the Young Professional Director on the Environmental Peacebuilding Association’s Board of Directors. She advises young individuals to engage in shameless networking, particularly within the field of environmental peacebuilding. This area thrives on collaboration, cooperation, and a supportive community, especially for aspiring young professionals. She encourages them to explore their passions and see where their interests lead them. Finding one's passion opens up numerous opportunities, and it is perfectly fine to be uncertain at the beginning. She also emphasizes that it is okay to be where you are simply because you have a genuine interest in the subject. You do not have to search for the ultimate meaning of your life or feel a profound connection to the issues. Besides, according to Juliane, it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages when choosing a path, allowing oneself to be uncomfortable at times while focusing on the aim and personal values. Whether pursuing fieldwork or academia, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the professional and personal implications. Students, especially those interested in conducting fieldwork, can explore programs that provide courses on conflict-affected settings, ensuring a reality check before embarking on their journey. Building support systems and preparing oneself for the challenges ahead are vital aspects of success. Juliane shares her own experience, mentioning that it took her a year and a half to establish a working framework for her PhD. Securing a scholarship from a German institution played a significant role, as funding for research can be a challenging aspect for many students. It is important to recognize that while money does not bring happiness, it can provide stability and ease financial worries.

For Juliane, the term "Environmental Peacebuilding" provides a meaningful label that allows for the engagement of a diverse community of professionals. It is a flexible term that accommodates various individuals working in the field. Juliane observes an increasing interest among students, emphasizing the importance of equipping them with knowledge to become the next generation of researchers in this field. Overcoming the artificial gap, especially within the humanitarian sector where peacebuilding traditionally may not have been emphasized, is crucial. Environmental peacebuilding understands the contextual nuances and utilizes different terms, but ultimately, it focuses on the same goal. Hence, it is vital for us to work together and engage in efforts, regardless of the terminology used.

She has been actively involved in the Environmental Peacebuilding Association (EnPAx) since its beginning, contributing for nearly five years. EnPAx has experienced significant growth during this time, expanding its scope to engage more extensively. Juliane notes that it has become a platform where various initiatives within the humanitarian-peace-development nexus intersect, all relating to environmental peacebuilding. The Young Professionals Interest Group within EnPAx, in particular, is highly active and supportive, creating a sense of community from the start. Juliane believes that the ongoing progress in the field of environmental peacebuilding is encouraging, as it continuously redefines and evolves the understanding of its core principles. Moreover, an increasing number of institutions are demonstrating interest in and adopting the applied approach of environmental peacebuilding.