GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE MISSIONS INITIATIVE
The
Missions Initiative supports partners working together to achieve their mutual goals.
Outlined below are the guiding principles developed by INAH Directors, representatives
of Spanish Colonial research institutions, and U.S. NPS superintendents during discussions
that launched the Missions Initiative effort.
INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION
The Missions Initiative seeks to re-establish historic links among individual sites and communities in Mexico and the United States while respecting the diverse economic, cultural, geographic, and institutional contexts of the region. The proposed partnership solicits participation from research scientists, historians, students, and local residents from both countries, and federal, state, and local administrators. A defining feature of the initiative is the creation of avenues for sharing information, staff expertise, and management practices among all participants. Initially, this priority will be supported administratively by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by INAH and the National Park Service Inter-Mountain Region International Conservation Office (IMRICO). International collaboration on the Missions Initiative is further supported under the five-year workplan adopted by both organizations in 2003 that includes a strong mission component.