Title:
Trans-boundary Protected Areas/National Parks
Author: Dr. Daniel
H. Henning
Seconded by: Mr. Richard Staychock
E-mail resolution sponsors now!
WHEREAS,
People have divided the earth into a mosaic of 192 nations, approximately
three-quarters of these countries share at least one border with another country; and
These shared land boundaries make up about 220 thousand kilometers and have high
biodiversity (so-called hotspots) as well as high wilderness values; and
About 35% of these highly biodiverse areas straddle the globe’s national
boundaries; and
Of 10,000 IUCH recognized protected areas, only 5% lie along national boundaries; and
Of existing protected areas along borders, which number about 200 (being 100 pairs),
that only one dozen are functionally linked with some degree of formality;
(-according to Dr. Arthur T. Westing)
WHEREAS,
The 6th World Wilderness Congress recognizes also that
Trans-boundary protected areas/national parks can serve as peace parks for bridges to:
- enhance environmental security by contributing to more effective management of shared
resources, such as watersheds; and
- more effective conservation and management of species and ecosystem services, including
the migration of species throughout the matrix; and
- economic development – such as the creation of jobs in local communities through
enhanced eco-tourism; and
- better general co-operation between countries, especially through local communities,
NGOs, and various levels of government;
WHEREAS,
Opportunities for Trans-boundary co-operation are increasingly opening
up, and the World Bank and other international donor organizations are increasingly
involved in supporting Trans-boundary initiatives for protected areas;
WHEREAS,
Trans-boundary protected areas/national parks can make a major
contribution to confidence-building measures after wars and other human conflicts;
The 6th
World Wilderness Congress (generally) resolves that:
Its members consider the ways and means of further involving
international, national, private and NGO assistance toward the initiation and
encouragement of potential and actual Trans-boundary protected areas (including wilderness
areas and national parks);
The 6th
World Wilderness Congress (generally) resolves to:
Support the Trans-frontier conservation initiatives discussed
(reported) at the Congress, including the Emerald Triangle which contains the majority of
Indo-China’s remaining natural forest habitats distributed along the national borders
of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar, and the Drakensberg-Maloti Transfrontier Project
being undertaken by the Governments of Lesotho and South Africa, and Himalayan
Trans-boundary collaboration among China, India, Nepal and Myanmar;
The 6th
World Wilderness Congress also resolves that:
Sponsored by:
Dr. Daniel H. Henning
Seconded by: Mr. Richard Staychock
Montana State University
1512, HWY 93E #22
Polson, Montana 59860 USA
Tel: +1-406-883-2040
Fax: +1-406-982-3201
E-mail: dhenning@cyberport.net
