The Value of Parks
- The Value of Parks (pdf 2.5Mb) View media release (pdf 31Kb)
Parks Forum have announced the completion of the much anticipated 'Value of Parks' document, which is hoped will act as valuable tool to communicate the social (including health), environmental, cultural and economic benefits that parks accrue to society as well as highlighting future challenges and opportunities.
The document was produced in partnership with IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas and the People and Parks Foundation and launched in New Zealand by Hon Steve Chadwick, Minister of Conservation, on the 20th May as a part of the ‘A World without Parks?’ conference.
As part of an Australia wide launch on World Environment Day, Mr Graham Phelps, the Executive Director Northern Territory Parks Division launched the publication in the Northern Territory. He said that the publication is aimed at the decision makers, opinion leaders and advocates in the parks industry and community, to try and get these audiences involved and informed about parks.
"The Northern Territory has some of the most spectacular wilderness in the world, with our 87 parks and reserves, including Litchfield National Park, Watarrka National Park, West MacDonnell National Park and Nitmiluk National Park, recording approximately three million visitors each year,” Mr Phelps said. “Not only are these beautiful, pristine environments to visit, but they also help to protect native and threatened species through recovery programs, offer protection of significant geological, geographical and cultural features which are often national icons as well as major tourist attractions.”
Parks also offer places of adventure, challenge, exercise, peace and quite, recreation, gathering and relaxation, in them we find a sense of enjoyment, strong community spirit and wonder in nature and offer a range of recreation activities to bring families and friends together in appealing places.
