This document outlines EcoPeace Middle East's strategic plan for 2016-2020. The plan's overarching goals are to expand and improve existing programs, develop capacity for environmental peacebuilding leadership, promote a unified brand and message, and consolidate governance and finances. Key programs discussed include impacting decision-makers through advocacy and research, addressing water scarcity and cooperation through projects like Water Cannot Wait and the Water Energy Nexus, and rehabilitating the economically and ecologically important Jordan Valley through implementing the Jordan Valley Master Plan.

1. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 2
Strategic Plan 2016-2020
Updated September, 2016

2. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 2
Table of Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
About EcoPeace ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Our Core Values ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Who We Are ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Our Vision .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Our Mission ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Our Core Competency: Environmental Peacebuilding ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Where We Work ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
The EcoPeace Approach .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Adjusting to Current Challenges .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Overarching Objectives of this Strategic Plan ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Programs ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Impacting Decision-Making ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Water Cannot Wait ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Water Energy Nexus .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Jordan Valley Rehabilitation .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Engaging Community .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Good Water Neighbors ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Eco-Facilities .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Enhancing Capacity ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Center for Environmental Peacebuilding ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
External Relations ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Improving Visibility ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Online .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
In Local Communities ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Communicating a Unified Image ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Internal Operations ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Governance ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Finance ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Securing & Diversifying .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Streamlining & Empowering ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15

3. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 3
Introduction
About EcoPeace
Who We Are
EcoPeace Middle East is a unique organization that brings Jordanian,
Palestinian, and Israeli environmentalists together. Our primary
objective is the promotion of cooperative efforts to protect our
shared environmental heritage. In so doing, we seek to advance both
sustainable regional development and the creation of necessary
conditions for lasting peace in our region. EcoPeace has offices in
Amman, Bethlehem, and Tel Aviv.
Our Vision
EcoPeace’s vision is to secure a sustainable, prosperous, and peaceful
future for the Middle East and all humanity.
Our Mission
EcoPeace develops transboundary environmental solutions through
constituencies and partnerships by developing increased collective
commitment to a sustainable, prosperous, and peaceful future.
Our Core Values
• Integrity
• Diversity and Mutuality
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Integration
• Creativity
• Justice
• Improving Lives
• Sustainable Environmental
and Socioeconomic
Prosperity
• Education
• Regional Stability
• Equal Commitment Across
Parties
• A Two-State Solution and
Regionalism

4. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 2 4
Haifa
Nazareth
Bethlehem
Beir Sheva
Gaza
Amman
Muqata/KishonRiver
Wadi Hadera
Wadi Abu NarWadi Ale
xander
Yarkon River Wadi Kane
Tel aviv
Wadi Beer Sheva
YarmuchRiver
Wadi Harod Wadi Ziglab
Wad
iF
ara
Wadi Zarka
Wadi Auja
Wadi Qelt
Wadi Nar/Kidron
JordanRiver
Seaof
Galilee
DeadSea
"Good Water Neighbors" Communities
Jordan
Palestine
Nablus
Legend
Wadi Zomar
W
adiHebron
WadiAzza
Jordan Valley
Beit Shan
Gilboa
Baka Gharbia-Jat
Emek Hefer
Muaz Bin Jabal
Al-Hemma
Tabkat Fahal
Sharhabil bin Hassnah
Jalameh, Jenin
Baka Sharkia
Tulkarem
Fasayel
Jericho
Auja
East Jerusalem
Abu Dis
Deir Alla
South Shouna
West Jerusalem
Tsur Hadassah
Wadi Fukin
Yatta
South Ghour
Gour Fifa
Tamar
Abasan
Eshkol
Israel
Mountain Aquifer – Recharge Zone
Mountain Aquifer – Confined Area
Coastal Aquifer
Jordan River – Dead Sea Basin
Lake
Stream/River
Israeli Communities
Palestinian Communities
Jordanian Communities
EcoPeace Office
EcoPark/Center
Peace Park
Ein Gedi
Our Core Competency: Environmental Peacebuilding
EcoPeace is an internationally recognized trailblazer in the practical
implementation of environmental peacebuilding, which acknowledges that
shared natural resources can be an important opportunity to understand
existing and potential areas of interdependence across conflicts.
The foundation of EcoPeace’s methodology is that solutions to environmental
problems are rarely zero-sum. For all parties involved, solutions to
transboundary environmental problems can create better ecological
situations as well as improved social and economic standings. Through joint
efforts and cooperation, it is possible to solve environmental problems and, in
the process, develop increased understanding of and openness toward
interdependence amongst conflicting parties. This sets the stage for joint
development of prosperity, trust, and ultimately, peace.
The EcoPeace Approach
Twenty-two years of operations and involvement in transboundary water
issues in our region serve as the strong foundation of our unique approach,
which utilizes
• Win-win solutions that speak to stakeholders’ self-interests
• Complementary top-down and bottom-up approaches based on
education, advocacy, and research
• Dissemination of expertise to other areas of conflict worldwide
• Leveraging of financial resources to provide infrastructure and other
initiatives in local communities in need
• Local staff who are engaged in, accepted into, and familiar with the
communities in which they work
Where We Work
Government Engagement
Education Advocacy Research
Grassroots & Community Engagement

5. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 2 5
Adjusting to Current Challenges
In a highly nationalistic, violent, and conflict-ridden period of the history of the
Middle East, EcoPeace seeks to promote mutual respect and identity beyond
narrow “tribal,” nationalistic, or religious identities. Instead, EcoPeace seeks
mutual and respectful connections based on broader shared interests of
environment, heritage, economy, and geopolitics. What differentiates EcoPeace
from other peacebuilding organizations is our focus on the shared environment
and our aim to advance equitable resource allocation and sustainable
management of shared natural resources. This serves as a means to develop
mutual respect between both the different nations, and people and nature in
general. EcoPeace’s unique, proactive approach creates healthy
interdependence, as seen in nature, across political borders. This is especially
important in today’s political and environmental climates, which are both
steeped in a lack of consensus and progress. EcoPeace views the current cycles of
frustration as opportunities to facilitate positive political and environmental
changes that will directly impact the communities with which we work.
Overarching Objectives of this Strategic Plan
EcoPeace Middle East operates under a 5-year strategic planning process. This
new strategic plan for the years 2016-2020 builds on earlier efforts and responds
to feedback from previous initiatives and new realities. Extensive interviews and
discussions with staff, board members, and external stakeholders serve as the
basis for the development of this strategy.
Our overall goals as stated in this Strategic Plan are to:
Expand
&
Improve
our existing top-down
and bottom-up approach
programs
Develop
our capacity for global
leadership in the field of
environmental
peacebuilding
Promote a unified organization-
wide brand and message
organizational
governance and increase
transparency and
diversification of
finances
Consolidate

6. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 2 6
Programs
Breaking down the overarching objectives into program-oriented goals enables the
alignment and enhancement of existing programs. EcoPeace aims to improve and
expand these program-based activities in order to better serve the communities with
which we work both locally and globally. The programs are not individual tracks of
work, but rather elements in a wide continuum of efforts that support EcoPeace’s vision
and mission. Several programs have been consolidated into more comprehensive
categories in order to provide a more well-rounded approach. For example, our Good
Water Neighbors project now includes the Protecting Groundwater Initiative and the
Green Economy Initiative outside of the Jordan Valley. Additionally, Jordan Valley
Rehabilitation now includes Jordan River Rehabilitation, the Jordan Valley Master Plan,
and the Green Economy Initiative within the valley.

7. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 2 7
Impacting Decision-Making
EcoPeace’s top-down approach utilizes advocacy, education, and research to
engage and inform governments on important environmental issues at the local,
national, and regional levels.
Water Cannot Wait
This program focuses on promoting political awareness of urgent issues related
to the current water situation with the intention of creating political will to solve
water-related problems as a complement to, and not a substitute for, the
political peace process. The approach directs the message to high-level
politicians and informs the public about water issues with the hopes of reaching
a Final Israeli/Palestinian Accord on Water.
In order to continue working toward this final agreement, Water Cannot Wait will
focus on bringing governmental ministries and agencies together to find common
ground on coordinated water management, with special attention being given to
Israeli and Palestinian water ministries. Another priority is to advance sanitary
solutions by facilitating agreements between Israel and Palestine that will allow
for the exchange of energy necessary to build and operate future sewage and
water treatment plants in Palestine. EcoPeace also aims to provide solutions to
Gaza’s water and sanitation crisis by facilitating an increase in water and energy
access, as well as the exploitation of Gaza marine gas fields.
Water Energy Nexus
The Water Energy Nexus (WEN) project seeks to develop healthy
interconnectedness through national interdependence on water and energy with
potential positive security effects in Levant countries. The project includes a
consortium of researchers across Palestine, Jordan, and Israel that will identify
the technical, economic, and geo-political feasibility of Jordan as a provider of
large-scale renewable energy and the coastal region of Israel and Gaza as the
provider of desalinated water for the three countries. Given the present reality of
climate change, desalinating Mediterranean seawater is a necessary adaptation
measure, and investments in renewable energy are important mitigation
measures. The resulting interconnectedness and interdependence between
Israel, Jordan, and Palestine could be of high political value and assist in the
development of political stability. In addition, this aspect of the program leads a
coordinating effort to allow Gaza access to marine gas as a medium-term energy
source to alleviate the water/energy crisis in Gaza. Creation of a regional working
group as well as a series of international meetings are necessary to secure the
regional and governmental support needed to advance the WEN.

8. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 2 8
Jordan Valley Rehabilitation
A unique natural and cultural treasure, the Jordan
River and surrounding valley are situated in the
Great Rift Valley flowing 250 kilometers from the
Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. The Jordan Valley
has always been a place for migration and
exchange of plants and animals, with over 500
million birds migrating each year. However, the
Jordan River is vanishing due to excessive water
diversion and pollution. Diversion of 95% of the
original flow has resulted in tremendous loss of
biodiversity and economic opportunities.
Jordan Valley Master Plan
The Jordan Valley Master Plan lays out a vision for
the Jordan Valley if it is provided the right actions
in regards to ecological and economic
development. The plan was well received by Israel,
Jordan, and Palestine in 2015, and its
implementation will continue to be actively
pursued. Of the 127 interventions laid out in the
Master Plan, 11 were identified as pilot
interventions based on their potential for
immediate initiation. It is paramount to continue
advocacy to seek political commitment to the
Master Plan that will help leverage funding from
financial institutions, investors, and donors.
EcoPeace must also engage the business
community in order to draw this support. A
conference or high-level meeting where the two
tracks convene can attract powerful leaders while
advancing international attention. This event
would ensure commitment to regional
development as described in the Master Plan and
leapfrog the region past current political
constraints.
Jordan River Basin Governance
As part of the Master Plan, EcoPeace is developing various governance models
including a Model Basin Commission for the Jordan River. The objective is to
propose a governance structure for the Jordan River based on best practices and
feedback from existing transboundary basin commissions. The Model Basin
Commission will propose a legal framework and descriptions of governance
bodies within the specific political, financial, and scientific contexts. This work is
to be completed and presented in the Fall of 2016.
Green Economy Initiative
EcoPeace designed this program to advance cross-border economic incentives
for environmental protection and to advance the understanding of regionally
shared environmental resources. Next steps for this program are to further
enhance local tour guides’ resources and understanding of the environment, as
well as to pursue UNESCO World Heritage certification for the Jordan River
Valley.
Faith-Based Initiatives
Many Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities are currently minimally aware
of the Jordan River’s poor ecological condition. With the river’s strong
significance to many religions, this provides a direct opportunity for faith-based
engagement in rehabilitation. EcoPeace seeks to develop relationships with
individual Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities and leaders both locally
and internationally. Developing relationships with powerful interfaith leaders is
also crucial for creating consensus throughout the religious community. Having
prominent religious leaders sign our “Jordan River Covenant” will disseminate
our message and create powerful support for our mission.
Jordan River Rehabilitation (JRR)
With the objective to rehabilitate the Jordan River through awareness and
advocacy, Jordan River Rehabilitation implements local involvement and delivers
impactful research and policy publications. The creation of conferences that
bring ministries together from all three governments, as well as working
committees from each watershed group that meet on a regular monthly basis are
necessary for the advancement of the project. Involving local and international
media must also be prioritized in order to gain necessary public support for the
initiatives.

9. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 2 9
Good Water Neighbors
Across the region, Good Water Neighbors (GWN) develops joint solutions to
water resource issues and lays the foundation for more sustainable peace among
Palestinians, Jordanians, and Israelis. The GWN methodology is based on
identifying cross-border communities with mutual dependence on shared water
resources and helping them seek common solutions while establishing contacts
across borders and making tremendous strides in the people-to-people efforts of
peacebuilding throughout the conflict zone. Ninety-five percent of participants
confirm that these cross-border activities strengthen acquaintances across
borders and support development of trust and the ability to work for the
common goal of sustainable peace.
Under this Strategic Plan, GWN will see several improvements including
expansion of the existing Water Trustee program and installation of grey water
systems in schools and communities that will demonstrate low-cost ways to
conserve water. EcoPeace also plans to develop a model farm in the region to
showcase best practices and new technologies for agriculture according to the
needs of each community. The GWN program will also be expanded to cultivate a
new basin-wide approach which will increase the effectiveness of stakeholders’
forums as well as local leadership.
Protecting Groundwater
Groundwater is one of the most common and vital natural resources for potable
water, but is often overlooked by governments and the public due to its hidden
nature. Because groundwater resources also move across political boundaries,
EcoPeace seeks to develop regional coordination for groundwater protection by
focusing on the following: capacity building, inspection and enforcement, cross-
border and cross-authority coordination/cooperation, initiation of solutions
including treatment and reuse water, reduction of hazards, and
recommendations on sustainable financing.
Engaging Community
EcoPeace’s bottom-up approach seeks to engage civil society to participate
in the development of sustainable natural resource management methods.
Local meetings serve as necessary forums for stakeholder input in a
process that builds cooperation, develops trust across the conflict, and
fosters local solutions. EcoPeace has found that civil society engagement is
essential for the long-term sustainability of local solutions.

10. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 2 10
Eco-Facilities
EcoCenters and Parks provide expertise on how to develop sustainable peace-
focused ecotourism assets based on practical experience. Based on involvement
of local stakeholders, this program explores practical expansion opportunities for
innovative and sustainable economic initiatives in government, municipalities,
local communities, and tourism. EcoPeace currently has three EcoCenters and
one Peace Park.
EcoCenters
The primary objectives of the three EcoCenters are to preserve biodiversity,
document the areas’ natural ecological values, and educate the community and
tourists about their environment and ways to sustainably develop within it.
EcoCenters will increase their emphasis on the role of community as well as the
importance of women and children in the path to sustainable development.
Gender-focused leadership workshops for women and training sessions in
schools will help youth and their families better understand the benefits of
proper waste management. In conjunction with increased opportunities for the
empowerment of local advocacy, EcoPeace will also develop and adapt additional
conservation and rehabilitation methods for and to the local environments that
our EcoCenters inhabit.
Jordan River Peace Park
The Jordan River Peace Park will be located in the beautiful areas of Al
Bakoora/Naharayim and Jeser Al Majama/Gesher, where the Jordan River and
Yarmouk River intersect. Endorsed by the mayors and communities on both sides
of the river, the park offers a concrete regional opportunity for rehabilitation of
the river and creation of a “borderless” zone in which Israelis and Jordanians can
freely interact and enjoy their shared environment. In order to move forward on
the development of this peace park, a documented regional plan, including
specific actions needed to construct the park and its facilities, must be produced
and presented to the relevant government bodies. Securing a Memorandum of
Understanding with Jordan and Israel is also necessary in order to develop
regional commitment to progressing with park development.

11. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 11
Enhancing Capacity
EcoPeace’s international reputation as a leader in
environmental peacemaking has attracted other
communities in areas of environmental
conflict to seek our advice and expertise.
Previously, EcoPeace has held seminars,
written articles about our unique
approach, held exchange visits, and
delivered direct support and advice
in order to disseminate our
expertise. Now, we are looking to
formally expand our services to
better serve communities
worldwide.
Center for Environmental Peacebuilding
EcoPeace recognizes the global interest for and the opportunity to develop a
Center for Environmental Peacebuilding as an international hub of expertise on
the practical application of environmental peacebuilding. The objective for the
center is to apply EcoPeace’s practical knowledge and experience to facilitate
environmental peacebuilding in other regions of the world.
EcoPeace will develop the CEP peacebuilding based on its own approach, fine-
tuned theories, and practical experience acquired over its 22 years of operation.
The goal is to develop a center that utilizes staff who on a daily basis are directly
involved in EcoPeace’s programs and can deliver training to other organizations
and educational institutions. As the program develops, the center will cultivate
relationships with universities and think tanks in order to develop academic
materials that will inform a wide audience on the effectiveness of the theory of
environmental peacebuilding as supported by practical local experience. The
generation of these materials as well as Memorandums of Understanding with
academic and research institutions are necessary next steps in conjunction with
the physical establishment of the Center for Environmental Peacebuilding. Once
established, the CEP will be able to consult to other communities worldwide
working to ameliorate environmental conflicts.

12. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 2 12
External Relations
EcoPeace needs a clear strategy for communication with targeted messaging in order to deliver an accurate perception of EcoPeace’s identity with a focus on its core
values and mission. This will not only promote our brand, but also solidify it. Identifying target audiences to communicate with, developing consistent messaging
across all key messages, and securing that EcoPeace delivers what is promised without creating unfulfillable expectations are the goals of the overall communication
strategy.
Improving Visibility
As EcoPeace expands beyond the region of Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, it is
crucial to disseminate the proper image to potential clients, donors, and
communities that may not have otherwise heard of EcoPeace. Solidifying our
accomplishments and policies online as well as in the communities in which we
have worked will ensure that we are properly represented to an ever-growing
audience.
Online
EcoPeace’s website is in the process of receiving a critical update that will allow
the website to clearly define and communicate the organization’s values with
timely delivery of information about current activities and projects to develop
knowledge and support for EcoPeace. The redesigned site will provide outreach
to supporters, potential supporters, other stakeholders, public media, and
fundraising opportunities. Every project page should have a clear purpose and a
call-to-action and be closely monitored for feedback that will inform how the
website will be continuously updated with the timeliest information available.
In Local Communities
EcoPeace’s unique approach that empowers communities to take charge in the
implementation phase of its projects often leaves EcoPeace out of ceremonial
activities when a project is final; therefore, EcoPeace misses the final
recognition of engagement and contribution. This leads to a lack of
understanding of EcoPeace’s role and the benefits brought to communities by
the organization, as well as resulting criticism and blame for normalization.
EcoPeace needs to ensure its recognition of involvement so that it can advertise
success stories and capitalize on opportunities to document its true effect on
local communities. Methods may include placing permanent signage in
communities explaining EcoPeace’s work, as well as being more upfront about
ensuring permanent dedication to any involvement in local communities.

13. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 13
Communicating a Unified Image
In order to disseminate a strong, organization-wide identity and message, it is extremely
important to proactively develop regional messaging and standard terminology with highest
degree of alignment in both official and unofficial communication by all staff and volunteers. A
system of standardization of values will aid in combatting opportunistic political adversaries
creating doubts about EcoPeace’s mission and actions. Situations quickly arise with an immediate
need for appropriate reaction and response, and it is important that staff and volunteers at all
levels receive training to deliver consistent messaging especially in the case of an unexpected
encounter.

14. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 2 14
Internal Operations
As a result of its expansion and welcomed success, EcoPeace’s latest challenge is to
maintain core competencies in an effective organizational culture that develops human
capital while emphasizing ethical practices and balanced organizational controls.
EcoPeace operates in an environment with little authority or expectations of consensus
amongst an increasingly diverse and expanding group of stakeholders in a political
environment where communication is particularly sensitive. It is a challenge to grow an
effective organization with limited resources and training, while managing a situation
where measurements of success are innovative performance metrics of complex
programs. Strong, unified governance across the organization and improved
transparency and diversification of finances are steps that can be taken in order to
ensure maximum effectiveness of internal operations.
Governance
To strengthen the organization further, EcoPeace is in the process of clearly defining
roles and responsibilities of its different levels of leadership. Members of the Board of
Directors should take a more prominent role to direct and advise the organization on its
strategic direction, including support toward fundraising efforts and financial reporting.
Strengthening the of roles of Board Chair and Board Committees such as Finance will
utilize the maximum potential for guidance. The team of three Executive Directors must
also have more clearly defined responsibilities to ensure proper cohesion across the
three offices. The organization would be strengthened by having the Board set annual
and long-term objectives for the Directors, annual performance reviews, and facilitation
of their capacity development. Increasing organization and streamlining the upper
levels of governance will secure uniform operational environment across the
organization.

15. EcoPeace Middle East Strategic Plan 2016-2020 15
Finance
Securing & Diversifying
To secure long-term stable financing and operations, it is
important to develop an annual planning process with a
three-year vision including new ventures and overall
budgets. Due to the higher risk of depending on a small
number of large international donors, it is also important
for EcoPeace to broaden its donor base through further
involvement of the Board of Directors and Advisory
Committee, as well as other methods of fundraising such as
crowdfunding and peer-to-peer online giving. A strategic
plan for the Development Department specifically
addressing fundraising will be a valuable addition to this
organizational strategy by systematically seeking to
understand available grants and funds that might be
applicable, such as new and growing opportunities for
fundraising like bequests, crowdfunding, or peer-to-peer
online giving.
Streamlining & Empowering
In 2015, EcoPeace began using internet-based software
NetSuite in order to increase transparency and ease of
information access across the organization. As
implementation advances, the system will contain all
budgeting information and allow monthly reporting for
individual projects and entities across the entire EcoPeace
organization. This will allow the organization to deliver
more timely and accurate information to everyone
responsible for financial management of projects, as well as
the opportunity to increase the financial responsibility of
project managers, ensuring increased transparency and
control for the project managers.