Preserving nature - The national park idea
The primary goal of a national park - to reconcile man and nature - has its origins in the USA.
Already in the second half of the 19th century, first bills have been passed to allow for the conservation
of nature. The very first national park, the Yellowstone National Park which was founded in 1872, spans an
area of 8.991 km2. But still, the USA chooses the location of its national parks rather by impressive looks than by biological or ecological reasons.
In Europe, the first national parks were created later - the first one in Sweden in 1909, and the first in Austria in 1914. In the beginning, these national parks banned the public completely and were only accessible for scientists.
In 1958, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was founded, which has worked together with the United Nations ever since. Soon, both will publish a common set of criteria regarding national parks. National parks shall then fulfil functions in the fields of nature preservation, scientific research, education and formation as well as tourism and recreation. The idea pursued in nature reserve areas is amplified with national parks: Not only one or some species shall be saved but rather a complex, symbiotic community. If the ecological system has been damaged, before, confined actions are taken in order to restore the original, natural status of the habitat.
In 1970, the first German national park was established in the Bavarian Forest. By now, fourteen national parks have been founded.
In Europe, the first national parks were created later - the first one in Sweden in 1909, and the first in Austria in 1914. In the beginning, these national parks banned the public completely and were only accessible for scientists.
In 1958, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was founded, which has worked together with the United Nations ever since. Soon, both will publish a common set of criteria regarding national parks. National parks shall then fulfil functions in the fields of nature preservation, scientific research, education and formation as well as tourism and recreation. The idea pursued in nature reserve areas is amplified with national parks: Not only one or some species shall be saved but rather a complex, symbiotic community. If the ecological system has been damaged, before, confined actions are taken in order to restore the original, natural status of the habitat.
In 1970, the first German national park was established in the Bavarian Forest. By now, fourteen national parks have been founded.
Müritz National Park
Müritz National Park Preserving nature - The national park idea Bog biotopes The "Zartwitz Cabin" The Pomeranian coarsewool sheep
