Projects

Sri Lanka and the Maldives are increasingly affected by environmental and natural resource–related conflicts, which exacerbate social and political vulnerabilities. In Sri Lanka, environmental degradation, climate variability, and unsustainable resource practices heighten inter-community tensions and weaken social cohesion. In the Maldives, climate change, ecosystem degradation, and rapid development threaten fragile island environments and livelihoods, fueling disputes over conservation, tourism, and land use. Women and youth are disproportionately impacted and largely excluded from decision-making, while limited civic space constrains local civil society organisations (CSOs) from addressing the root causes of conflict, undermining inclusive governance, resilience, and long-term peace.

The EU-funded REDEFINE project – Redefining Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding: Empowering CSOs for Sustainable Peace in Sri Lanka and the Maldives – seeks to strengthen crisis preparedness and promote sustainable peace in vulnerable communities. In Sri Lanka, the project is implemented directly by Chrysalis, while in the Maldives it is delivered in partnership with the Society for Island Geodesy and Sustainability (SIGS). Together, these partners empower women- and youth-led CSOs to spearhead inclusive peacebuilding initiatives and reinforce local resilience.

REDEFINE promotes collaborative environmental management and enhances CSO networks to foster dialogue and prevent conflict. For example, Chrysalis supports women’s groups in water management and agroforestry, helping reduce environmental stressors that can escalate disputes and integrating these efforts into broader peacebuilding forums. By linking environmental stewardship with inclusive governance, REDEFINE addresses the intertwined challenges of resource pressures, social tensions, and climate vulnerability, paving the way for lasting peace and community resilience.