|
|
|
 |
 |
100 years of National Parks in EuropeIn 2009 it is 100 years since the first National Parks were established in Europe. It was in June 1909 that the Swedish parliament decided to set aside nine areas as National Parks. The first in Europe.
The history of National Parks probably started when the first tourists gathered around roaring waterfalls and spectacular sceneries. The awareness of the needs for protection was born. The first National Park in the world was Yellowstone National Park that was established 1872.
In the late 19th century the Swedish explorer Nordenskiöld suggested that some areas should be left untouchced and not to be exploited. It took many years before anyting happend. In 1904 when a German conservationist held a lecture in Sweden about natureprotection, Karl Starbäck a member of the Swedish parilament was in the audiance. The same year he was introducing a parliamental bill to take measures for protecting valuable natureareas. The 25th of June 1909 his vision came true and nine areas were set aside as National Parks.
Today there are 28, soon 29, National Parks in Sweden, there are almost 3000 naturereserves and 1000 wildlife sancturies covering about 11 % of the Swedish landsurface. So there are a lot to explore and to enjoy.
These protected areas are refuges for many species and has contributed to that species that have been scarce and threatened now are more common and increasing their numbers. But we do still have challanges. Not all species are increasing, some are very threatened, and we still lose primeval forests and other valuble habitats in Sweden.
|
Related links |