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Landscape Planning Studio
HIGH SIERRA
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NATIONAL PARK
INTERNATIONAL DEFINITIONS
protected areas with a goal to preserve ecosystems of great ecological importance and scenic beauty, and to support scientific research, education, environmental interpretation, recreation and eco-tourism through contact with nature.
protected areas because of their beautiful countryside, wildlife and cultural heritage.
to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.
areas of land that protect native plants and animals and their habitats, places of natural beauty, historic heritage and aboriginal culture.
National-level scenic and historic interest area
the national parks of Canada are dedicated to the people of Canada for their benefit, education and enjoyment, and the parks shall be maintained and made use of so as to leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.
places where visitors can see nature up close without spoiling the environment.
parks that represent biodiversity and heritage assets, through innovation and best practice for the just and equitable benefit of current and future generations.
parts of the country that "contain scenery of such distinctive quality, ecological systems, or natural features so beautiful, unique, or scientifically important that their preservation is in the national interest"
parks that represent biodiversity and heritage assets, through areas that have been designated in a legally binding manner, that are to be protected in a consistent way and that are “large, largely unfragmented and have special characteristics,” “fulfil the requirements for a nature conservation area in the greater part of their territory,” and “in the greater part of their territory, have not been affected by human intervention at all, or to a limited extent only, or are suitable for developing, or being developed, into a state which ensures the undisturbed progression, as far as possible, of natural processes in their natural dynamics."innovation and best practice for the just and equitable benefit of current and future generations.
Large natural or near natural areas set aside to protect large-scale ecological processes, along with the complement of species and ecosystems characteristic of the area, which also provide a foundation for environmentally and culturally compatible spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities.
GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING
The diagram below is a representation of phrases quoted from the definitions of the countries listed above. Notice that each country/state has its own understanding of what a national park actually is. Yet, one then agreed upon is that the preservation of nature is the ultimate priority, and not investment nor recreation
“beautiful countryside”
“wildlife”
“cultural heritage”
“ecological importance”
“scenic beauty”
“scientific research”
“education”
“environmental interpretation” “recreation”
“eco-tourism”
“large, largely unfragmented” “special characteristics” “have not been affected by human intervention” “suitable for developing” “undisturbed progression” “natural processes in their natural dynamics”
“scenery” “ecological systems”
“natural features” “beautiful”
“unique”
“scientifically important”
“national interest”
“biodiversity”
“heritage assets”
“innovation”
“best practice”
“future generations”
“scenery”
“natural & historical objects”
“wildlife”
“enjoyment”
“future generations”
“native plants”
“animals and habitat”
“natural beauty”
“historic heritage”
“aboriginal culture”
“benefit”
“education”
“enjoyment”
“future generations”
"nationally unique large areas of great ecological importance containing whole ecosystems of undisturbed natural processes with native wildlife and habitats that require protection (to benefit from its natural resources, scenery, and historical assets) in a manner that keeps them intact for future generations, and yet contribute in scientific researches, interpretation of the nature, and enjoyment of eco-tourism through Islamic regulations, control and best practices."
National Park Saudi Definition
Proposed definition developed by SMG, 2018
The Conventional Understanding of National Parks in KSA
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Established as separate units;
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Managed as “islands”;
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Set up and run for conservation (not
for productive use) and scenic
protection (not ecosystem functioning); -
Established in a technocratic way;
-
Managed by natural scientists and
natural resource experts; -
Established and managed as a means to control the activities of local people, without regard to their needs and without their involvement;
-
Benefiting primarily visitors, tourists & investors;
Reference: Llewellyn, O., (2013). The Protected Area System in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Revised Plan (draft).
The Emerging Understanding of National Parks in KSA
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Planned as part of national, regional and international systems;
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Managed as elements of networks;
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Set up and run for conservation but also for scientific, socio-economic & cultural objectives;
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Established as a political act, requiring sensitivity, consultations, and judgment;
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Managed by multi-skilled individuals, including some with social skills;
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Established and run with, for, and in some cases by local people;
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Benefiting primarily the local communities who assume the opportunity costs of conservation