Institute for Environmental Diplomacy and Security
The Institute for Environmental Diplomacy and Security(IEDS) is a transdisciplinary research center, based at the University of Vermont (UVM), aimed at the study and practice of techniques that resolve destructive environmental conflicts, and to using ecological processes as tools of peace-building. IEDs was founded under the auspices of the James M. Jeffords Center at UVM in 2010, which is named in honor of former US Senator James Jeffords. The founding director of the Institute was Professor Saleem Ali (Academic), who is now a member of the United Nations International Resource Panel and the  Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel of the Global Environment Facility Mission and programs. IEDS operates within a framework of 3 broad themes that capture its mission and vision: Within this framework IEDS has operationalized four major program areas: Current funding support for IEDS comes from governmental and private grants. Training programs in environmental diplomacy and security as well as targeted mediation services are also planned as revenue sources for operations.