Protected Areas and World Heritage Programme

Welcoming  participants  to  the  Parks  for  Peace  Conference,  the  South  African  Minister  of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Dr. Pallo Jordan gave the context to the meeting in some well-chosen words:

"The rivers of Southern Africa are shared by more than one country.  Our mountain ranges do not end abruptly because some 19 Century politician drew a line on a map.  The winds, the oceans, the rain and atmospheric currents do not recognise political frontiers.  The earth's environment is the common property of all humanity and creation, and what takes place in one country affects not only its neighbours, but many others well beyond its borders".

This broad view of conservation responsibilities has always motivated IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). As a global network, we are uniquely well-placed to bring experts together  from  different  countries,  globally,  regionally  and  across  national  boundaries.  Indeed, encouraging the development of trans-boundary protected areas has for long been a priority for WCPA.

But the role which  trans-boundary protected areas can play in building security and confidence between nations has been a neglected topic.  So when we were approached by the Parks for Peace Foundation to arrange an international meeting on this theme, the Commission saw a unique opportunity to bring together those with a conservation perspective and those with concern for international peace and understanding.   Experts in protected areas, in international law and in related subjects worked together for three intensive days to examine the particular role which trans-boundary protected areas can play in building a better relationship between countries, but at the same time addressing frankly some of the difficulties which often arise.

There was a wealth of information and case studies. There was a special concentration on Southern Africa, of course, particularly appropriate given the new climate of co-operation between neighbouring States in this region. We heard from other regions where the climate of understanding has improved markedly in recent years and now favours co-operation:  from Central America and parts of Europe for example. But case studies were also presented from regions which continue to suffer from conflict and tension:  the Middle East, South East Asia and the Korean Peninsula. And we heard about the tragic case of protected areas in Central Africa, which have suffered from the effects of mass population movement following appalling ethnic conflict and the breakdown of civil order.

These case studies highlighted the potential role of trans-boundary protected areas, sometimes in defusing the potential for conflict between states, sometimes in confidence building measures after periods of tension and rivalry.  But they also showed the vulnerability of such areas (and indeed of protected areas in general) during times of war and upheaval.

Our discussions revealed some sharp differences of view from around the world.  In Southern Africa, for example, the term "protected area" was not particularly welcome.  Our colleagues from there  asked  that  the  term  “trans-frontier  conservation  areas”  be  incorporated  instead  in  the Declaration of Principles.  Their understandable concern arose from the reputation which protected areas have had in the past in the region, as places from which local people are excluded and unable to gain any benefit from natural resources to which have had traditional access.  If there is a message here for the protected area constituency, it is the importance of developing the full range of protected area types: not only those which require strict protection but also  those  whose objectives recognise scope both for conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

The conference also identified, as so many discussions on protected areas do these days, the potential  importance  of  the  private  sector  and  the  scope  for  entrepreneurial  approaches  to protected areas management.  At the same time the meeting emphasised the need for the involvement of local and indigenous communities in the management of protected areas.  Even though some protected areas come about through cross-border co-operation between sovereign Sates, the involvement of local people is no less essential.

The Declaration of Principles which was adopted at the end, and which is reproduced in this report, summarised the conference conclusions and set forth a collective view about the way forward.  It contains  messages  for  national  governments  and  for  the  international  community.    It  places protected  areas  firmly  in  the  context  of  peacemaking  and  building  international  collaboration between States.  It points towards some considerable success stories but it also identifies the great need for further work in this area. There is a particular need for best practice guidelines on the

planning and management of transboundary protected areas, and for a code of conduct on the management of such areas, both in peace time and in times of conflict. Like protected areas everywhere, transboundary protected areas are needed for conservation of biodiversity;  and  they  are  essential  where  natural  resources  requiring  protection  -  such  as endangered ecosystems and species - are shared between countries. But when we left South Africa, we also took with us a much clearer understanding of the contribution that such places can play in building peace and understanding between nations. This is a dimension to  conservation which deserves more international attention. WCPA will do its part to ensure a really effective follow-up to the conclusions and recommendations of the conference.

The notable success of the event was made possible because there were people there from all parts of the world. On behalf of IUCN and WCPA , I would like to extend my thanks to all those who helped through sponsorship and financial support, and a particular thanks to the Parks for Peace Foundation and our South African friends who made our short time in their country not only productive but enjoyable.

Adrian Phillips

Chair

World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA)