2003 Anniversary Meeting

"TRANSBOUNDARY PEACE PARK PROJECT"

Introduction

For 50 years the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) has stood as a barrier between the Peoples' Republic of Korea (DPRK-North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (ROK-South Korea) and has been relatively untouched by humans during that period. This situation has created an ideal habitat for hundreds of animal species, including black bear, leopard, lynx, endangered cranes and over one thousand plant species. Now there is the very real potential for closer linkages between the two Koreas, signified by the recent rebuilding of a rail line and numerous cooperative ventures between the two countries.

Creating a permanent symbol of peace within the DMZ can further facilitate these links. The DMZ also can provide a memorial to millions of war victims from dozens of countries, a place to protect numerous globally rare and endangered animals and plants, as well as a source of revenue and jobs.

The DMZ Forum, a non-profit organization based in New York City, and the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement (KFEM), based in Seoul, are collaborating to protect the DMZ for future generations.

Next Steps

A number of critical steps are required in order to create a transboundary peace park that will incorporate these benefits and more. Currently, The DMZ Forum and KFEM are collaborating to apply for United Nations and other funding to develop and implement a plan to protect DMZ ecosystems. They also are assisting in the development of a coalition of stakeholders worldwide including scientists, conservationists, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), corporations, foundations, universities, religious institutions and individuals. The DMZ Forum, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization based in New York City, is dedicated to preserving peace, species and habitat in the DMZ. KFEM is the largest non-profit conservation organization in Korea and has worked for decades on a wide variety of protection projects in Korea, including long-term survival of DMZ ecosystems.

The DMZ Forum has developed a grant application for multi-million dollar funds from the Global Environmental Facility(GEF) of the United Nations.

Additional steps on which The DMZ Forum, KFEM and members of the coalition will collaborate include:

Engaging political leaders of North and South Korea and other stakeholder countries to commit to a transboundary park
Developing a strategic plan for the formation and long-term operation of a transboundary park using similar parks in Asia and Africa as models
Obtaining funds for creation and long-term park operation
Fostering development of necessary local, national and international legal mechanisms for the park's long-term survival
Developing a sustainable management structure for the park

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