Waterton Lakes National Park © Parks Canada
Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and Glacier National Park in the U.S.A. have a special relationship as the world’s first International Peace Park.
The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park celebrates the peace and goodwill existing along the world’s longest undefended border, as well as a spirit of cooperation which is reflected in wildlife and vegetation management, search and rescue programs and interpretive programs. The two parks continue to implement many joint initiatives, and have extended their experience to build close working relations and projects with surrounding neighbours and jurisdictions.
How was the Peace Park established? In 1931, the first annual goodwill meeting of Alberta and Montana Rotarians was held at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton. It was at this meeting that members unanimously approved a resolution to establish an International Peace Park.
In 1932, American legislation approved a bill to create the Peace Park which was signed into law on May 2. On June 16, 1932, the Canadian bill was proclaimed.
There are now over 170 peace parks worldwide.
“I know of no political movement, no philosophy, no ideology, which does not agree with the peace parks concept as we see it going into fruition today. It is a concept that can be embraced by all.
In a world beset by conflicts and division, peace is one of the cornerstones of the future. Peace parks are a building block in this process, not only in our region, but potentially in the entire world.”
Nelson Mandela