Sunday, July 11, 2010

National Parks Are Multi-functional

By Keith Edwards

The progress that we have made since industrialization has been impressive. But then we have had to pay a heavy price in the destruction of environment. The natural resources of the world, be it the waters from the rivers, the minerals from below or the oil from the sea bed, environment has been a casualty. The adverse effects of this unthinking march of progress have been quick to be felt. The current discussions are around loss of biodiversity, climate change, global warming, pollution of air, water and land, and the fresh water crisis. The crisis felt everywhere has also made the world to grapple with environmental crisis. The awareness and concerns are palpable. Public interest, private support and government initiatives have since grown. The first major initiative has been to conserve the remaining natural habitat.

Amongst the protected areas, one of the most fascinating is the national parks. These are designated usually by national governments officially as national parks by law. These are to keep away human interference, especially in the form of development activities and related destruction of environment and biodiversity as well as pollution. There were 6,555 national parks in 2006. More areas have since been brought under this category.

Camping out in these national parks is a fascinating experience. Camping is usually done in small groups. The idea is to take off for a few days and live it up in the park. This is done by pitching a tent amidst the natural surroundings observing and taking in all that is there in the park. To make life tolerable, the typical camper takes only the stuff that can be taken in a backpack. This is mostly what the campers will need for survival. A camping tent that is suited to the season accommodating the group is essential. There are many manufacturers of camping tent such as Marmot, Kelty, Black Diamond, MSR, Eureka, Sierra and many more. The camping tents come in different sizes as the Marmot Aeros 3p tent that accommodates three persons.

Entry to the National Parks is severely restricted. However, researchers and scientists are permitted to enter to carry out studies. So also are visitors who come to the Park for the purpose of learning and recreation. Grants are provided to the Park authorities to manage the biodiversity. Staffs are responsible to ensure that the management and conservation of the Park is successful. The campers are also required to behave responsibly.

National parks have so many benefits and so every citizen should do everything to preserve it. If done well, these parks will be enjoyed by one generation to another.

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