Celebrating the US National Parks and their stewards

In this article, we recognize the important mission of the parks and share a message from the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) on the essential role of the NPS in biodiversity conservation. 

The U.S. National Parks preserve some of the nation’s most iconic landscapes, from the Grand Canyon and Glacier National Park to Dry Tortugas and sites like Devil’s Tower in the Black Hills. These locations are vital not only for those communities close to the parks but also for tourism and the unique ecosystems they safeguard. In addition to preserving land, the NPS has been instrumental in restoring key species, such as the American bison, bald eagle, and American alligator.

Education is another essential function of the NPS, as it fosters an understanding of the importance of nature and its preservation. Visitors also gain insight into the rich history of the nation’s most notable sites. For many young people, these parks offer their first meaningful connection to the natural world, teaching them about the value of plants, wildlife, and landscapes. Those working for NPS, including rangers and guides, are key to making this educational mission a success.

Since becoming an IUCN member in 1966, the US NPS has been able to collaborate with other protected areas globally. These areas of ecological preservation are central to IUCN’s efforts to advance global conservation goals, develop international standards, protect endangered species, and promote sustainable tourism. The NPS is, therefore, a valuable partner in IUCN’s mission to create a just world that values and conserves nature.

The IUCN North America Regional Office (NARO) has had the privilege of working in close partnership with the US NPS. In light of recent actions to reduce park staffing and weaken the mission of NPS, IUCN NARO would like to share the following statement from the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) highlighting the issue and explaining vitality of the parks from an international governmental perspective.