IWR’s Conflict Resolution and Public Participation Center Named Center of Expertise and Directory of Expertise
ALEXANDRIA, VA — October 29, 2008. The Conflict Resolution and Public Participation Center (CPC) at IWR has been named the latest Corps Center of Expertise (CX) and Directory of Expertise (DX). It will support training and outreach programs and provide consultation and technical assistance across USACE. It will also maintain a directory of USACE and external experts and techniques in environmental conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution. The CPC’s mission is to help Corps staff anticipate, prevent and manage water conflicts, ensuring that the interests of the public are addressed in Corps decisions.
The Joint Memorandum on Environmental Conflict Resolution issued in 2005 directed Federal agencies to “increase the effective use of environmental conflict resolution (ECR) and build institutional capacity for collaborative problem-solving.” Furthermore, one of the goals of the recently refreshed Corps Campaign Plan is to "Deliver enduring and essential water resources solutions through collaboration with partners and stakeholders". The CPC answers these directives by increasing the use and effectiveness of collaborative planning tools. The CPC provides training, consultation services and reference materials to Corps Headquarters and field offices to assist in the implementation of collaborative approaches, including interactive computer modeling and software. Its assistance and information increase the Corps conflict resolution and collaboration capacities.
The CPC concentrates IWR’s expertise on collaborative planning and public participation, such as Shared Vision Planning and Computer-Aided Dispute Resolution (CADRe) techniques. Indeed, the methods and tools from the SVP and CADRe programs are important components of the CPC’s activities. Its designation as a Center of Expertise demonstrates the importance of such specialized knowledge and skills for the Corps. CPC joins other Centers of Expertise focused on many aspects of water resources management, including Deep Draft Navigation, Ecosystem Restoration, Flood Damage Reduction, Hurricane and Storm Damage Prevention, Inland Navigation, and Water Management and Reallocation.
More about the Center of Expertise Program
A Center of Expertise has a demonstrated capability and expertise in a specialized area. Centers of Expertise improve capabilities and management; eliminate redundancy; and optimize the use of specialized expertise and resources. They also enhance Corps-wide consistency, facilitate technology transfer, help maintain institutional knowledge in key areas, and improve service to customers.
More about the Directory of Expertise Program
A Directory of Expertise is a database registry of organizations and individuals designated by USACE Headquarters as possessing expertise and/or technical capability in a specialized subject area that is beneficial to other USACE commands. A Directory of Expertise is required to maintain state-of-the-art technical competence and awareness in its assigned specialty and provide advisory assistance or specific services upon request.
