The President of the International Peace Garden Foundation, Paula Savage, announced today that Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has been selected to be honored with the International Peace Garden 2017.
The Garden of Peace will be at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens at the entrance of a new multi-denomination chapel.
“Puerto Vallarta is a leading destination in Mexico recognized for respect for the diversity of cultures and human rights,” Savage said. “We hope to work side by side with Puerto Vallarta to promote world peace and friendship.”
Plans are underway to complete the project before the planned dedication on February 16, 2017. The ornamental design includes terraces and ramps for people with disability. The plants will focus on a combination of floral from the Holy Land and wildflowers from Mexico.
“The intention will be to recognize the geographical region that gave birth to several major religions around the world, through plants growing together in harmony with each other and with native plants Mexico,” said the executive director of the Botanical Garden Vallarta, Neil Gerlowski.
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is accepting tax – deductible donations (Mexico, Canada and the United States) for this project. Please visit www.vbgardens.org for more information.
Canada introduced the first Peace Garden to the United States in 1990 in recognition of their long friendship, and who they share the longest undefended border in the world with for more than 200 years.
The tulip became the official flower of the International Peace Gardens because of its importance in Canada, its connection with World War II, and the Dutch royal family.
International Peace Garden Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1990 to promote global friendship and international understanding through the creation of the peace gardens. The Foundation and its programs are fully managed by volunteers working in close collaboration with embassies, municipal governments, cultural organizations and individuals who share their vision.
At present there are twenty International Peace Gardens on five continents. Mexico is the second country in Latin America to receive this honor. San Jose, Costa Rica was honored in 1999.
