Beyond Nationality: Opportunities for Trans-Boundary Wildlife Conservation

Unlike humans, political and physical boundaries do not limit animals that are long ranging. However, due to political, economic and social conflicts between countries, it is the wildlife that takes a hit. This has been recognized by many countries and effective measures of trans-boundary conservation have successfully been implemented. This has not only paved the way for the conservation of species that range in multiple countries but has also enhanced cooperation between countries on several fronts. In this article, we highlight the need for similar trans-boundary measures between India and Pakistan and focus on a few species which can act as potential flagship species in this regard. In the background of global commitments by India and nations for conserving the freedom of movement, and for securing the services offered by these ecological flows to the people of both nations, we propose a scientific discussion for establishing trans-boundary peace parks.

The Contribution of Tourism to Peacebuilding Processes

The concern for environmental protection within an increasingly globalised international system has led to the planning of Transfrontier Conservation Areas, among which Peace Parks aim to achieve or maintain peace across borders. Based on the growing importance that tourism practice has for the sustainability of Peace Parks, this chapter reflects on how the tourism activity developed within Peace Parks can contribute to peacebuilding processes. This dynamic is addressed by analysing a case study, focused on the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. It shows that tourism has the potential to positively contribute to sustainability, creating better living conditions for the local population and, consequently, promoting the achievement of peace. However, it also shows that tourism may have the opposite effect if national interests dominate, if there is insufficient consultation of local communities' interests or if sensitive border and land-use issues are not overcome.

Marketing Peace Through Tourism

Marketing of peace through tourism has been primarily achieved through the initiatives and conferences/summits of the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT). IIPT was born with a vision of travel and tourism becoming the world's first global peace industry and the belief that “Every traveler is potentially an ambassador for peace.” This chapter traces the early seeding of the peace through tourism concept; the organization, marketing, and transformative outcomes of the First IIPT Global Conference: Tourism – A Vital Force for Peace, Vancouver 1988; legacies and achievements of additional conferences/summits and projects through to its current initiatives commemorating the 30th anniversary since the Vancouver conference that include a 30th Anniversary Global Summit, Global Peace Parks Project and Travel for Peace Campaign.