|
Congress
Patrons
NR
Mandela
"I am
grateful that South Africa will have the honour of hosting the next
World Parks Congress, and I particularly endorse the Congress Theme:
"Benefits Beyond Boundaries". We in South Africa can associate
closely with this theme as we have worked to break with the boundaries
and isolation of our past, and to forge new partnerships with one
another and with the world. Protected areas are to be treasured.
We look forward to the World Parks Congress 2003 as a valuable opportunity
to make them more relevant to, and more valued by, all our people.
Biography
of
Nelson R. Mandela
back to top
Her Majesty,
Queen Noor
"Environment
is at the root of human security throughout the world. Water and
arable land shortages increasingly cause tense and sometimes violent
confrontations both among and within states. Lack of equity in sharing
the costs and benefits of environmental resources causes conflict
between individuals, communities and the sexes. This tension will
undoubtedly increase as the global population expands, people migrate,
environments degrade and climate change exacts its toll.
The gravity of such conflicts
has prompted IUCN - the World Conservation Union to illuminate the
underlying causes of tension and conflict, and to show how environmental
degradation is pivotal. IUCN is promoting "Peace Parks"
where transboundary protected areas enhance cooperation across borders,
and contribute to the peaceful resolution of conflict. The Great
Lakes region in Africa, home of the mountain gorillas, provides
a positive example of how a Peace Park can contribute both to security
and conservation.
It is time to think beyond
boundaries, beyond ethnic and religious grounds, and beyond nations
in our global quest for a just world which values and conserves
nature.
Security and environment
will be a major focus at IUCN's World Parks Congress in Durban,
South Africa in September 2003. Here at this once in 10 year gathering
the international community will have the opportunity to explore
how best to address the challenges before us, and particularly the
role of protected areas. The setting in Africa will orient us to
consider how to address peoples' needs and reduce suffering so that
we can gain greater community support for protected areas and a
true underpinning of conservation with sustainable development.
As Co-Patron for this
vitally important world gathering, alongside my esteemed colleague
and mentor, Nelson Mandela, I am delighted to give the Congress
my fullest support and invite all to think beyond boundaries.
HMR
Queen Noor website
back to
top
|
