April 21: The Politics of Environmental Disputes

Amy: The Politics of Environmental Mediation



This article addresses the issues inherent in the practice of environmental mediation. Amy discusses why environmentalists face specific troubles with mediation as a technique for conflict resolution. He argues that environmentalists tend to be co-opted in mediation. Amy says characterizes environmentalists as friendly people who lose sight of their values in a process in which relationships are developed. Environmental groups tend to have less power and fewer resources than pro-development groups. They may not even be able to make it to the table if they are not seen as "cloutful" people or groups. Resources may also include expertise. Having expertise can be vital in mediation in coming up with a resolution. Groups without a lot of expertise are more likely to lose out in the end. Amy also argues that by participating in mediation, environmental groups give legitimacy to decisions that are reached. If these decisions are not favorable, it can be harmful.
I like this article. I think Amy makes several good points about the nature of environmental mediation. I do think that this article might be a bit outdated. In recent years, environmental issues have come to the forefront in politics. Environmental groups have earned clout and have gained power in government and in society. Overall, I agree with Amy's conclusion. he says that environmental groups must think about the possible results of entering mediation before they accept it as a resolution process. It might be helpful in some situations but harmful in others. For example, in the case study I did for my project, environmental groups experienced many gains from a mediation-type process and very little success with litigation.