Threats to National Parks

Did you know that despite their protection in law all thirteen members of the National Park family face serious threats?

As we celebrate our 75th anniversary we are working to raise awareness of the challenges for National Parks. These include:

National Parks are taken for granted – arguably the greatest threat to our National Parks is if people don’t care for them, can’t or don’t visit them and don’t feel moved to fight for them. CNP wants to generate a renewed enthusiasm for our National Parks so that more people from all sections of society know about, experience and help to look after these iconic landscapes.

Changing political and financial context – National Parks have been hit hard by public sector funding cuts. CNP is committed to ensuring that the long term affects of these are minimal, the independence of National Parks is protected and the value of National Parks to society is fully demonstrated.

Climate Change – the changing climate is already affecting the landscape and wildlife of the Parks, and will continue to do so in future. CNP will promote the role of Parks as essential carbon stores, which will increase their national value to society in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Development pressure – inappropriate quarrying, commercial and energy developments all continue to threaten the natural beauty and unique qualities of the National Parks. CNP remains on constant alert and continues to fight proposals and plans that are at odds with the National Parks’ purposes.