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= Environmental Peacebuilding Using Transboundary Protected Areas =

Introduction
Conflict and wars surround the fight for power, and security of a nation, often through the abundance of resources. It is argued that resources play a significant role in conflict both before, during, and after disputes. In fact, according to the United Nations close to 40% of conflicts within a state are connected to the environment. Furthermore, since 1990 there have been approximately 18 physical conflicts over resources. Although resources are incredibly influential in times of conflict, and war, their ability to create peace is often overlooked. Environmental peace building has proven to be, at times, a successful peacekeeping tool usually involving the shared management between different groups, or nations over resources such as water, forests, land, energy, etc. . Environmental peace building and cooperation can develop trust, and equality in regards to access, consumption, and distribution of resources while protecting the environment, and shared viable land.

The Concept of Transboundary Protected Areas
Discussion and analysis surrounding the concept of environmental peace building were sparked during the 1990s, post-Cold War. The discussion especially focused on issues regarding the abundance of natural resources and how they are affected in times of conflict. Environmental peace building can involve a variety of methods; however, among the most common is the use of transboundary protected areas, which are valuable landscapes and ecosystems found along international borders that are cooperatively managed by different states. The transboundary protected areas are thought to have social, economic, ecological, and international benefits with the ability to influence communication between nations in disputes, and encourage peace. Ecological benefits of transboundary protected areas involve improved conservation efforts of biodiverse and sensitive ecosystems. It has been determined that transboundary protected areas allow for large, secured zones across borders to strengthen diversity, sustain resources, and provide additional habitat for species. The United Nations are heavily involved with environmental peace building, and transboundary protected areas with the belief that they can relieve tensions between states, and benefit the environment.

1.	Ecuador and Peru: Cordillera del Cóndor
Ecuador and Peru are two countries that have been engaged in conflict for many years. After a conflict in the 1940s, a border was created, however, management, and control of areas around the border was not adequately distinguished, strengthening the tensions between the two countries. In an attempt to build peace between Peru, and Ecuador, an agreement was signed in the late 1990s allowing for a peace park to be established. This transboundary protected area, called the Cordillera del Cóndor, encourages collaboration for management, and protection of natural resources, and biodiversity, along the border. The agreement also entailed creating protected areas on either side of the border to increase secured land, and maintain sustainable use of resources on a larger scale. In addition to the obvious ecological benefits of the peace park, it has been noted that the collaboration between the two countries improved the economy, social stability, and cultural values within communities of each state. Overall, the Cordillera del Cóndor peace park serves as a milestone for collaboration and has inspired other conflicting states to consider using transboundary protected areas, and environmental cooperation to encourage peace and security of resources.

2.	Canada and the USA: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Another example of a successful transboundary protected area is that of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first-ever international peace park found along the border between Alberta, Canada, and Montana, USA. The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park symbolizes peace between two different countries and serves as an example to other states. Despite the peace and cooperation established between Canada and the USA, there was a lack of consideration given to the Blackfeet Indigenous group who traditionally resided within park boundaries. Although the Blackfeet Indigenous group, was displaced prior to the creation of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, tensions between the group, the USA and Canada remained. In recent years, attempts have been made to reconcile, and build peace between the Blackfeet tribe, Canada, and the USA by increasing communication with indigenous peoples in regards to invasive species, animal populations, education, etc..

Nicaragua and Costa Rica: Si-A-Paz
Although there are proven benefits of transboundary protected areas, there are various cases where they worsened conflicts, and ultimately failed at bringing peace in times of dispute. An example of an unsuccessful transboundary protected area can be found along the border of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, called “Si-A-Paz” an abundant, and diverse peace park. This park was established in an attempt to improve relations between Nicaragua and Costa Rica and to protect the biodiverse landscape. Shortly after the park was established, the conflict between the two countries was strengthened as a result of construction, pollution, and dredging activities that occurred along the borders and within park boundaries. Both Nicaragua, and Costa Rica began to breach various policies, abuse the management privileges, and destroy the land itself. Overall, the peace park did not include an extensive plan for conflict resolution, management, or cooperation and therefore, failed to establish peace and effective communication between the states.

Future Considerations
Various concerns about the ability of transboundary protected areas to create peace have been noted. From case studies such as the Si-A-Paz peace park, it is clear that the use of transboundary protected areas does not always create peace; instead they can worsen conflict between two states. Transboundary protected areas can also influence countries to take advantage of borders, and abuse their share of power over the peace park. Overall, it is clear that further research and consideration of power, environmental laws, socio-economic processes, histories, indigenous knowledge, and boundaries of different states is necessary to ensure effective cooperation, and shared management.