It is my pleasure to welcome you to this special issue of The Mediator, where we focus on a theme that continues to grow in relevance and urgency—land and environment-related conflicts.

In many parts of the Philippines, disputes over land ownership, use, and access remain a major source of conflicts, especially in communities that are vulnerable or underserved. These are not just legal or policy issues. At their core, we can find stories about dignity, survival, memory, and identity.

This issue brings together reflections, case stories, and practical tools drawn from the field. You will read about land disputes involving agrarian reform beneficiaries, and urban-poor communities with each one showing the complexity and real risks when these remain unresolved. We also share insights from a national conference on environmental mediation and provide tools, such as Nonviolent Communication, that help promote dialogue and understanding. A book review of “Ransomed by Love “also reminds us that reconciliation and peace begin with courage and empathy.

We would like to thank our partners, community mediators, and other contributors for sharing their time, insights, and experience. Special mention goes to our friends and trainees who continue to make the case for mediation and negotiation as practical, inclusive, and value-based responses to conflict.
Land and environmental disputes will continue to challenge us. But if we listen, learn, and act with care, we can build processes that are empowering and promote healing processes that bring people back to the table, and back to each other.