Search

The 1994 "Treaty of Peace between the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan" prescribes "good neighborly relations of co-operation" and security between the two countries. Towards the goal of fulfilling the dictates of this treaty, the mayors of Muaz Ben Jabal (Jordan), the Bet She'an Valley Regional Council (Israel), and the Jordan Valley Regional Council (Israel) signed a 2007 memorandum of understanding (MOU) to build the Jordan River Peace Park (J.R. Peace Park). Joining other studies that consider the role of peace parks in fostering neighborly relations and cooperation (Ali 2007; R. Duffy 2007; T. Duffy 1997; Francis 2008; Hammill and Besancon 2007; Trisurat 2007; Van Amerom, Marloes and Buscher 2005), this study analyzes the J.R. Peace Park initiative in the context of the Middle East. Moreover, this research relates to the broader environment and security literature by investigating the role that environmental issues play in promoting inter-state cooperation. Since the J.R. Peace Park is still a "work in progress" initiative, the paper considers several other peace parks, examining how well such projects have worked towards advancing peace in the respective regions. Based on this comparative analysis, the paper then turns to the J.R. Peace Park, addresses lessons learned, and considers the future prospects of the J.R. Peace Park in promoting cooperation between Israel and Jordan. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]