Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is the first in the world!
By Fumi Johns Stewart, Executive Director, May Peace Prevail on Earth International Foundation
In February, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo became the first community in Mexico and in the world to launch the Amig@s de la Paz Peace and Sustainable Tourism Program.
The “Amig@s de la Paz Sustainable Tourism Program” is a new initiative of May Peace Prevail on Earth International™, an international not-for-profit charity that develops and promotes peace activities for communities and youth. The program is designed to recognize and promote communities, companies, educational institutions, civic organizations, or individuals who support the UN’s goals for sustainable development; and to help tourists and travelers identify and support these communities.
Patricia Ann Talley who is the developer and international director of the program has successfully activated dozens of community groups in the area to raise awareness of global peace, harmony, and compassion. Friends and supporters from around the United States and Canada flew to Mexico to witness the launch of this inspiring program.
The Peace Monument Ceremony & Peace Walk
The week-long Amig@s de la Paz Art, Culture, Peace, and Tourism Festival was co-hosted by the Art & Culture Association of Zihuatanejo.
The festivities started in downtown Zihuatanejo on 16 February around a monumental Peace Pole which was unveiled in 2010. The opening program was attended by community leaders, international guests, the local Scout group, traditional horse riders from the area, and representatives from the local indigenous nations who blessed the event with ceremonial offerings and prayers.
Honorary local speakers included, Patricia Ann Talley, developer and international director of the Amig@s de la Paz Sustainable Tourism Program and Gabriela Pasquel Garcia, president of the Art & Culture Association of Zihuatanejo. Wendy Carbajal Sotelo, director of the Zihuatanejo Peace Committee and officials from the federal, state and municipal governments also attended the event.
Amig@s de la Paz Award Ceremony
After the Scouts presented a spirited World Peace Flag Ceremony around the Peace Pole Monument, they led us in a Peace March through the city of Zihuatanejo to the municipal basketball court where a large group of local supporters and tourists waited to witness the Amig@s de la Paz Sustainable Tourism Award Ceremony.
Awards were handed to individuals and organizations in the categories of environmental conservation, cultural heritage and preservation, equal access to education/peace education, and economic investment in the local community.
2020 Amig@s de la Paz Award Winners!
Inauguration of New Peace Monuments
Zihuatanejo was the first community in Guerrero to construct a Peace Monument in 2010. Now, the State of Guerrero can proudly boast of being “FIRST” to start this new peace and tourism initiative with the erection of these new monuments:
- The 1st Peace Monument constructed by the Federal Government (FONATUR) in a new Peace Park in Ixtapa
- The 1st Peace Monument in a Hotel at Las Brisas Ixtapa
- The 1st Peace Monument in a Restaurant at Villas Paraiso Ixtapa
- The 1st Peace Monument in a School at Instituto Lizardi Zihuatanejo
Yoga for Peace on the Beach
For inner peace, Master Kim, a special guest from the Peace School of Chicago conducted yoga classes on the beach.
Peace & Tourism Conference
A Peace and Tourism Conference took place late in the afternoon at Las Brisas Hotel to address a group of hotel executives who were keen to learn about the exciting possibilities of promoting peace tourism in their city. Speakers included me, Fumi Johns Stewart, executive director of May Peace Prevail On Earth International; Deborah Moldow, United Nations representative for MPPOE Int retired; and Dr. Talia Weltman from the Department of Ethnic Studies, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.
Patricia Ann Talley, who developed the Amig@s de la Paz program spoke about business strategies and explained the criteria of joining the Amig@s de la Paz movement which are:
- Plant a Peace Pole
- Celebrate the International Day of Peace
- Empower Youth
The business goals of the Amig@s de la Paz program are to develop and locally manufacture peace-related products (hats, T-shirts, jewelry,etc.) for distribution and sale through hotels and resorts with a portion of the proceeds donated to local charities.
Visit at UAGro Tourism University
As a finale to the remarkable activities, the group was invited to commune and celebrate with faculty and students of the Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero in Zihuatanejo, a university dedicated to teaching Tourism. The students entertained us with traditional songs, dance, much joy and laughter.
A Closing Message
“Tourism is the top industry across the globe for opening hearts and encouraging people far and wide to recognize we are all part of one human family. Our vision is for Ixtapa Zihuatanejo to be the worldwide premiere tourist destination of peace. This is immensely important for the towns, the State of Guerrero, and even the nation of Mexico. But most importantly, it is for our children and future generations.” – Rev. Deborah Moldrow, United Nations Representative (ret.) for May Peace Prevail on Earth International
May Peace Prevail on Earth!
May Peace Prevail in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo!
For more information about the Amig@s de la Paz Sustainable Tourism Program and how your community can participate, contact: Patricia Ann Talley, international director, pattalley@imagine-mexico.com