National Parks in the world

National Parks

In 1872, the world’s first national part, Yellowstone National Park, at Montana and Wyoming was established. The national park system was originally composed of such large, scenic areas in the West as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Yosemite Valley. Today the national park system has more Cultural and historical sites (battlefields and historically important buildings and towns) than the place of scenic wildness. In 1969 the IUCN ( International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural resources ) declared  park to be relatively large area with specific characteristics.

·          A national park has one or more ecosystems. It is not exploited and occupied by humans. The plant and animal species, geomorphological sites and habitats are of special scientific, educative and recreative interest or a natural landscape of great beauty.

·         The highest competent authority of the country has taken steps to prevent or eliminate exploitation or occupation.

·         Visitors are allowed to enter, under special conditions, for inspirational, educative, cultural and recreative purposes.

In  1971 clear  and will –defined specification for national park was further expanded. These are:

·         A minimum of 1,000 hectares zone are considered as national park.

·         National park to have statutory legal  protection

·         A budget and staff sufficient to provide effective protection

·         Prohibition of exploitation of natural resources ( including the development of dams). Activities such as sports and fishing are allowed under the supervision of the management.

Conventions on Biodiversity

Although not formally a part of the UNCED ( The United  Nations conference on environment and Development) preparatory process, the Rio summit provided political impetus for completing the negotiations on the Convention on Biological  Diversity (CBD). This was not the part of the formal UNCED process, but was an important parallel outcome. The aim of CBD is to promote the conservation  and sustainable use of biodiversity through commitment, promoting scientific and technological cooperation,  establishing protected areas, eradicating alien species, respecting s and maintaining traditional knowledge and practices and providing financial resources. In January 2000., the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol was adopted to address potential risks associated with cross border trade and accident release of living modified organisms. This protocol  was ratified at the johannesberg Summit 2002.