A RENEWED FOCUS ON OUR CORE
At Peace Parks Foundation, our very name denotes tranquillity and harmony, reflecting the core values we hold dear. We recognise that our commitment to peace has often been implicit rather than explicit, understood but not systematically pursued. Yet, our activities with communities, governments and the business sector are directly supporting all eight pillars of Positive Peace.
We are acutely aware that in today’s increasingly volatile world, the role of peace in sustainable development is paramount. Drawing on the expertise of key organisations such as the World Bank, we are crafting a systematic approach that not only measures our impact but also ensures our efforts are fostering peace in the regions we operate. It is our solemn promise to remain transparent and accountable as we navigate the path of peace building.
ENSURING PEACE
Peace Parks contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 16 of Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by ensuring increased resilience of communities through the long-term investment in inclusive and sustainable development. Addressing inequalities and exclusion by ensuring that decision-making processes are more inclusive through community involvement in co-management of protected areas.
We are creating a sound business environment by creating nature-positive, inclusive business deals to promote sustainability. Alongside efforts to build institutional capacity at multiple levels, fostering systems and creating incentives for cross-border collaboration are key.
Another aspect of our contribution to peace and prosperity is our expertise in reducing conflict between humans and nature and creating a safe and secure space for communities and for wildlife through promoting peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife. Peace Parks is committed to managing the complex relationship between wildlife and human settlement in a net positive way for communities and conservation.
HUMAN RIGHTS: FROM PILLAR TO PRACTICE
Peace Parks’ standards of project implementation are constantly evolving and improving. An institutional Environmental, Social and Human Rights Policy was developed to govern all Peace Parks operations, reflecting the United Nations (UN) guiding principles and the vision and pillars of Peace Parks. Human rights training has been provided to rangers in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia in collaboration with the South African Wildlife College.
This training process set an essential precedent for guiding and protecting those who work for, and come into contact with, Peace Parks. The German Federal Government through its development bank KfW supported this initiative.
