International wilderness conservation received a major boost on Nov. 7
at the World Wilderness Congress in Merida, Mexico. Representatives from
Mexico, Canada and the United States signed a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) creating a framework for future cooperation and
coordination among the three nations for wilderness conservation.
“This is a historic moment for the National Park Service and one
that is long overdue” said Jon Jarvis, Director of the National Park
Service.
“Wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for increasing our
understanding of global climate change, ecosystem adaptation and
resiliency. As some of the least manipulated environments left,
wilderness provides connectivity and wildlife migration corridors
amongst other values. This MOU reaffirms the National Park Services’
commitment to conservation and we look forward to moving forward with
our two closest neighbors and other federal partners on implementing
this framework.”
The MOU provides for the development of an intergovernmental
committee that is comprised of agency heads or their designated
representative to facilitate collaboration. Topics of mutual interest
include examining wilderness conservation and management with a special
concern for understanding climate change, fire, and invasive species as
well as exploring broader trans-boundary conservation initiatives.
For additional information, contact Karen Taylor-Goodrich,
Associate Director of Visitor and Resource Protection, at
[email protected] or (202) 565-1020.
