Franklin Dukes

Dr. Franklin Dukes, a Ph.D. graduate from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR), is an experienced facilitator, trainer, and mediator in the environmental conflict field. In 1990, Frank became the Director of the University of Virginia's Institute for Environmental Negotiation (IEN), which is committed to building a sustainable future for communities in Virginia and beyond and provides mediation and consensus building services concerning the natural and built environments. Along with a research component, IEN has substantial training in conflict resolution; two years ago a manual on collaboration was developed and supported by environmental advocates and conflict practitioners. Building collaborative processes to address environmental concerns is at the core of Frank's efforts to bring a voice to both environmentalists and affected communities.

Stemming from his training at ICAR as a doctoral student, Frank brings experience in facilitating problem-solving workshops and community dialogues to develop consensus on issues such as water quality or food security. These conflict resolution methods allow for both Virginia's leaders and local populations to explore environmental issues, learn from each other, and help move communities beyond conflict to collaborative problem solving.

Frank believes strongly that conflict is not inherently bad, but can reveal injustice, force change and secure the mechanism to address environmental issues—a philosophy which likely guides the focus of his current work at the local and state policy levels. He has worked in numerous communities on a wide range of issues including water supply in contaminated sites and handling conflict between different users in the national forests.

Starting this semester, Frank will teach a class on Environmental Principles, with the intent to gain traction at ICAR in this field. If all goes as planned, Frank hopes to develop an environmental certificate program, enriching both the field and ICAR.