Superintendent's International Lecture
Francine Madden
"Conflict transformation is about going deep, wide, and long. Going deep means going down to reconciling that us-versus-them conflict. Going wide means designing a process for that time, that context, and that system, in which those decisions have to be made. It also means engaging in a way that minimizes or prevents unintended negative consequences. Going long means recognizing the need for long-term resilience, stability, and sustainability. You’re not talking about going to a car dealer and trying to negotiate for a car. That is a snapshot in time, and you don’t need the relationship piece...But if you’re talking about conservation or restoration, you’re dealing with government institutions, conservation organizations, businesses, and communities who are all in it for the long haul. "
Source: Biohabitats » Expert Q&A: Francine Madden
Francine Madden has been selected as this year's Superintendent's International lecture presenter. In 1997, Yellowstone National Park celebrated its 125th anniversary with the theme, "The Best Idea America Ever Had." The park was an idea that caught on and spread around the world, so that most nations now have established national parks or similar nature reserves. Yellowstone serves as a model in many ways, as these other nations look to learn from our successes, our failures, and our ongoing experiments in research and management of cultural and natural resources. At each Biennial Scientific Conference, the Superintendent's International lecture has featured an address by a leading figure in international conservation on some global aspect of park science and management. This lecture emphasizes the global interchange of ideas and information among members of the conservation and scientific communities.
For nearly 30 years, Francine Madden, Principal of Constructive Conflict and Executive Director of the Center for Conservation Peacebuilding (CPeace), has maintained a proven track record of effectively, impartially and devotedly intervening in complex wildlife conservation conflicts. Whether the conflict is over wolves, tigers, mountain gorillas or Galapagos tortoises, these conflicts are a microcosm of the larger societal conflicts they are embedded in. As such, Francine uses these lightening rod issues as entry points to reconcile the deep-rooted, systemic conflicts that impede stability, security and progress for all. By engaging as a neutral third party and transforming relationships and dialogue processes, Francine’s critical and comprehensive support results in lasting shared wins for people, their way of life and conservation. Francine’s work has been featured in The Washington Post, Bloomberg Businessweek and Wall Street Journal.