Comparing Access Rights Across International Settings

Article Citation:

Dahlberg, Annika, Rick Rohde, and Klas Sandell. “National Parks and Environmental Justice: Comparing Access Rights and Ideological Legacies in Three Countries.” Conservation and Society 8, no. 3 (2010): 209–24. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26393012.

Importance of This Article:

Dahlberg, Rohde, and Sandell contend that the protection of certain natural areas is governed by how landscapes are perceived, how they are valued, and who makes the judgment on these valuations. Thus, the conservation of natural regions reflects issues of societal power and environmental justice. To illuminate issues surrounding this topic, the authors embark on a comparative study of South Africa, Sweden, and Scotland. They offer findings on the ideological history and development of these countries, focusing on access rights – an indicator of how governments have approached issues of environmental justice. In doing so, they illustrate the importance of decentralized decision-making and cooperative action in the formation and governance of national parks.

Summary:

This article explores the issue of environmental justice in national parks, focusing on case studies from Sweden, Scotland, and South Africa. The authors argue that while conservation efforts are important for biodiversity and ecological values, they often have negative impacts on marginalized groups. They argue that conservation efforts should not only focus on ecological values but also address power dynamics and ensure equitable access to resources and decision-making processes.

The case study of South Africa highlights the historical context of colonial annexation and privatization, which led to a decline in indigenous peoples’ rights to access land. Game reserves and national parks were initially established to protect wildlife, while indigenous communities were allowed to retain access to other natural resources. However, over time, conservation regulations became stricter, and African people were forcibly removed from protected areas. After the democratic elections in 1994, land reform legislation included provisions for restitution, and many claims were lodged for land in protected areas. While progress has been made in involving local communities in decision-making and management, challenges and threats to community control over their land persist.

In Sweden, the traditional right of public access to land and natural resources, known as “allemansrätt,” has shaped the establishment and management of national parks. However, conflicts have arisen when access rights clash with conservation goals, leading to protests and concerns about restricted access. The case of Kiruna National Park exemplifies the clash between different cultural views on conservation and access rights. The park, proposed in the late 1980s, faced significant opposition from local groups, who were concerned about potential restrictions on their access rights for fishing, hunting, and the use of snowmobiles. A petition with over 15,000 signatures argued that the establishment of the park would infringe upon the right to public access. This clash of interests and cultural views on conservation and access rights ultimately led to the shelving of the proposal for Kiruna National Park. On the other hand, the establishment of Fulufjället National Park demonstrates the importance of local participation and negotiation in addressing concerns and ensuring positive outcomes for local communities. The park, located in the southern mountain region of Sweden, was formally suggested by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) in 1989 and was proclaimed a national park in 2002. The park’s establishment initially faced strong local resistance. However, the authorities adapted their approach and engaged in information dissemination, public forum discussions, and negotiations with local stakeholder groups. This inclusive strategy proved successful in addressing concerns and ensuring positive outcomes for local communities.

In Scotland, there is a history of access to land being a contested issue. However, recent legislation has given people the right to access most land for recreational and educational purposes. The establishment of national parks in Scotland has led to debates about balancing economic development and environmental conservation. Notably, the National Parks (Scotland) Act of 2000 paved the way for the creation of the Cairngorms National Park in 2003, along with the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The legislation emphasizes the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, the promotion of recreation, and economic and social development. The Cairngorms National Park Authority, consisting of ministerial appointees, elected local government councilors, and directly elected local representatives, governs the park. The authority aims to protect the long-term natural and cultural heritage of the park area while ensuring local involvement and benefits.

The establishment of the Cairngorms National Park reflects a shift in power away from large landowners and parastatals, as a result of the devolved Scottish Parliament and land reform initiatives. The park’s objectives include conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable tourism development, ensuring access to housing, and managing natural resources sustainably. The park’s economy heavily relies on tourism-related activities, such as skiing, walking, fishing, shooting, and stalking.

The article highlights the historical similarities in the treatment of local and indigenous groups in relation to access to land and resources in Sweden, Scotland, and South Africa. It argues that the persistence of past elite interests and present economic strategies have hindered efforts to promote environmental justice in national parks. The authors emphasize the need for appropriate institutional arrangements and a new ideological paradigm to address these issues.

Overall, this article sheds light on the complexities and conflicts surrounding environmental justice in national parks. It emphasizes the importance of understanding historical contexts, involving local communities in decision-making, and addressing power dynamics to ensure equitable access to resources and benefits. The case studies from Sweden, Scotland, and South Africa provide valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for promoting environmental justice in national park management.

Report compiled by Samuel Holman – article summary generated with Humata AI

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How Business Owners Near National Parks Can Contribute to Environmental Efforts

Article Citation:

DeWitt, Jessica M. “Between Stewardship and Exploitation: Private Tourism, State Parks, and Environmentalism.” RCC Perspectives, no. 4 (2016): 41–46. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26241388.

Importance of This Article: 

Business owners who operate near National Parks are often overlooked when it comes to many environmental discussions. It is difficult for them to balance their economic interests with a desire to contribute to the conservation and protection of the parks. However, through the collaboration of both businesses and parks, we can achieve a more sustainable and balanced approach to tourism and environmental protection.

Summary: 

This article delves into the intricate relationship between environmental stewardship and exploitation within the realm of private tourism and state parks. It sheds light on the perspectives and experiences of business owners situated near parks, who often struggle to establish their role as environmental stewards. These individuals face numerous challenges in gaining recognition for their efforts to preserve the environment while operating their tourism businesses.

The article highlights the prevailing mistrust towards private-sector tourism and the tendency to dismiss the concerns and viewpoints of business owners in environmental discussions. “Business owners’ concerns about and opinions on contemporary issues also tend to be brushed aside.”[1] It argues that this dismissive attitude undermines the potential contributions of private enterprises in park guardianship. The article calls for a more balanced and inclusive approach that acknowledges the significance of private businesses in environmental conservation.

By delving into the experiences of business owners near parks, the article underscores the urgent need to bridge the gap between private tourism and environmental stewardship. It suggests that private enterprises can play a vital role in promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about environmental issues. However, their efforts are often overshadowed by the prevailing skepticism toward their intentions and practices.

In conclusion, the article advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between private tourism and environmental stewardship. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting the contributions of private businesses in park conservation efforts. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach, it is possible to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection in the context of private tourism and state parks.

  1. “Between Stewardship and Exploitation,” 43. 

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What are the Reasons for Low Minority Attendance in National Parks?

Article Citation: 

Weber, Joe, and Selima Sultana. “Why Do So Few Minority People Visit National Parks? Visitation and the Accessibility of ‘America’s Best Idea.’” Annals of the Association of American Geographers 103, no. 3 (2013): 437–64. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23485400.

Importance of This Article:

This article explores the reasons behind the lower visitation rates of minority populations to National Parks in the United States. It discusses the role of geography, accessibility, socio-economic constraints, cultural values, discrimination, and historical legacies in contributing to this disparity. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing equity issues in park access to promote diversity, improve the economic and environmental health of national parks, and prevent negative impacts on public health.

Summary:

This article is an investigation into the potential reasons for the low visitation rates of minority populations to national parks in the United States. It emphasizes the role of geography, as minority populations are less likely to live near national parks. The concept of accessibility is used to examine the spatial relationships between national parks and potential minority visitors. The article finds that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented at closer and smaller national parks. It argues that addressing the geographic barriers to park visitation can promote equity and improve the economic and environmental health of national parks.

The article delves into various hypotheses to explain the lower visitation rates of minority populations, including marginality/elitism, subculture/ethnicity, cultural assimilation, discrimination, and the role of geography. Factors such as proximity to parks, socio-economic constraints, cultural values, discrimination, and historical legacies are identified as contributors to the lower visitation rates of minorities. The study suggests that accessibility alone does not explain all the differences in visitation between different racial and ethnic groups and that factors such as familiarity and cultural associations with nature and wilderness may also play a role.

The article highlights the importance of addressing equity issues in access to public facilities like parks. It discusses the potential consequences of declining visits to national parks, including a disconnect from nature and negative impacts on public health. It also examines the history and diversity of the national park system, including the different types of park units and their locations. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to expand the appeal of parks to minority populations in order to maintain or increase visitation rates and support for the parks.

Overall, the research highlights the importance of proximity to national parks in explaining the variation of visits by minority populations. It suggests that creating urban recreation areas and focusing on cultural and historical themes can be effective in attracting minority visitors. The research underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the factors influencing minority visitation and the importance of considering the needs and preferences of different minority groups in park management.

Report compiled by Greta Helfenstein – article summary generated with Humata AI

 

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How Can Parks Deal With High Visitor Traffic?

Article Citation:

Ballantyne, Roy, Liandi Slabbert, Jan Packer, and Joanne Sneddon. 2023. “Negotiating Stakeholder Solutions to Complex Visitor Management Problems: The Case of Traffic Management in the Kruger National Park.” Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, June, 1–10. doi:10.1080/0035919x.2023.2214105.

Importance of This Article:

The access and management problems facing National Park administration and management can vary across international contexts and situations. This article provides a look into traffic management problems encountered by staff in Kruger National Park in South Africa and covers possible solutions to these issues.

Summary:

This article explores the challenges associated with managing visitor traffic in wildlife tourism destinations while balancing the protection of natural biodiversity, with a specific focus on Kruger National Park in South Africa. The increasing number of visitors to the park has resulted in congestion and reduced visitor satisfaction. To address these issues, the study employed stakeholder engagement and the Delphi technique to negotiate and develop solutions.

The Delphi method, which involves gathering opinions from experts through iterative questionnaires until a consensus is reached, is utilized to address complex visitor management problems in national parks. In the case of Kruger National Park, the study combined focus group methodology and the Delphi survey process to gather stakeholder opinions and develop solutions for traffic management issues. For this study, participants originated from a variety of stakeholder groups, including park visitors, safari vehicle operators and guides, managers of large tourist accommodations near the park’s borders, SANParks honorary rangers, and SANParks management figures tasked with conservation and tourism planning and operations.

The study aimed to identify solutions for four visitor management problems in the park: congestion at wildlife sightings, congestion at entry gates, visitor behavior at wildlife sightings, and speeding vehicles. Respondents were asked to select and rank solutions for each problem. The most preferred solution for congestion at wildlife sightings was found to be “enforce vehicle behavior rules around wildlife sightings.” The most preferred solution for congestion at entry gates was “create a new online booking system to speed-up vehicle entry into the Park.” The most preferred solution for visitor behavior at wildlife sightings was also “enforce vehicle behavior rules around wildlife sightings.” Lastly, for addressing speeding, “more rigorous enforcement of existing road rules” was identified as the most preferred solution. [1]

Overall, the top five solutions identified through the Delphi process were: creating a new online booking system, providing three different queues at entry gates, enforcing existing road rules, enforcing vehicle behavior rules at wildlife sightings, and developing a complaints reporting system. The study also revealed an increase in consensus among stakeholders in the second round of ranking solutions. However, it is important to note that the SANParks management group had different priorities compared to other stakeholder groups, emphasizing staff modelling of good road behavior and management of visitor expectations.

The article emphasizes the significance of understanding the perspectives and preferences of stakeholders before implementing a visitor management strategy. The study employs methods to identify divergent perspectives and negotiate solutions. While consensus is reached on major traffic problems, different stakeholder groups have differing preferred solutions. Through a process of soliciting, evaluating, and ranking potential solutions, a set of agreed-upon solutions was determined.

The article highlights the complexity of traffic management in wildlife tourism destinations and the need for collaborative approaches and stakeholder participation in decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement in identifying divergent perspectives and negotiating solutions. The study’s findings can be used to inform visitor management strategies in other protected areas, allowing for a better understanding of the issues, identification of innovative strategies, and increased compliance with management strategies.

[1] “Negotiating Stakeholder Solutions,” 4-7.

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Underrepresentation of Black Americans in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Article Citation:

Sultana, Selima, Josh Merced, Joe Weber, Ridwaana Allen, and Gregory Carlton. 2023. “Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Its Missing Black Visitors: A Preliminary Analysis on the Hidden Architecture of Landscape.” Southeastern Geographer 63 (1): 15–35. doi:10.1353/sgo.2023.0003.

Importance of This Article:

This research article discusses the underrepresentation of Black Americans in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and examines the reasons behind it. It highlights the need to address the racialization of landscapes and institutions and promote inclusivity in national parks.

Summary:

This article delves into the underrepresentation of Black Americans in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and investigates the factors contributing to this disparity. Despite the park’s proximity to a sizable Black population, visitation rates for Black Americans remain similar to those during the era of segregation. The findings of this article reveal a lack of visibility and inclusion of Black Americans in archival documents, literature, and exhibits, which may convey the message that the park is a “White” space, potentially making Black Americans feel unwelcome.

In the past, Great Smoky Mountains National Park was predominantly portrayed as a “White space,” with promotional efforts focusing on Anglo-Saxon mountaineers and Cherokees while excluding Black Americans. The existence of segregated facilities within the park raises concerns about the comprehensive experience offered to Black visitors. Furthermore, the current interpretation of the park, including guides, stories, and exhibits, lacks representation of Black Americans. The workforce of the National Park Service (NPS) is predominantly White, and there is limited representation of Black Americans in the gateway communities surrounding the park. Although efforts are being made to document and promote the history and experiences of Black Americans in the park, more work is needed to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity for Black visitors.

The absence of Black Americans from interpretive materials and exhibits may contribute to a perception that the park is unwelcoming to them. While the NPS has made efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, questions remain about the effectiveness of these initiatives. The article also addresses ongoing issues, such as the renaming of Clingmans Dome and the presence of Confederate flags in surrounding communities. The study calls for further research and data collection to better understand the interests and experiences of Black populations in relation to the park. Ultimately, the article advocates for increased diversity and equitable access to national parks, highlighting the need to overcome barriers such as transportation limitations, cultural obstacles, and limited awareness.

Report compiled by Greta Helfenstein – article summary generated with Humata AI

 

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Do Mobile Reservations Exclude Vistors From National Parks?

Article Citation:

Rice, William L., Jaclyn R. Rushing, Jennifer M. Thomsen, and Peter Whitney. 2022. “Exclusionary Effects of Campsite Allocation through Reservations in U.S. National Parks: Evidence from Mobile Device Location Data.” Journal of Park & Recreation Administration 40 (4): 45–65. doi:10.18666/JPRA-2022-11392.

Importance of This Article:

The study in this article sheds light upon potential inequities in the accessibility to National Park campgrounds. Specifically through online reservation systems that inadvertently exclude certain demographics of visitors. Park accessibility for all who may want to visit and enjoy the National Parks is important to keep in mind while trying to manage the volume of visitors to the parks. 

Summary:

The research in this article delves into the influence of online reservation systems on the demographics of campers in U.S. national parks. The findings indicate that campers who use sites that require reservations predominantly hail from areas with higher median household incomes and are more often White residents when compared to campers who use sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. This study underscores the inadvertent exclusionary effect of online reservation systems on low-income and non-White campers.

In this study, mobile data tracking was used to examine the demographics of campers in U.S. national park campgrounds, particularly in relation to the use of online reservation systems. The researchers utilized location data from personal mobile devices, which was obtained from vendors that aggregate and anonymize data from cell phones with GPS capabilities. However, the researchers also noted important limitations to the application of this data, such as the fact that the sample can only include campground visitors that had a mobile device with location services activated while onsite. 

The text also provides a list of references from various sources related to park and recreation administration, camping, and outdoor recreation. It includes articles, reports, and publications that cover topics such as the use of social media data for destination planning, estimating visitation to natural areas using cellular phone locations, and analyzing mobile device data to determine park visitor demographics.

In their concluding comments, the authors suggest that land management agencies consider distributive justice in campsite allocation decisions and examine who is currently using the campgrounds and who is not. They call for more research on the topic of equity and access in national parks and protected areas.

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Early Efforts to Desegregrate National Parks

Citation:

YOUNG, TERENCE. “‘A Contradiction in Democratic Government’: W. J. Trent, Jr., and the Struggle to Desegregate National Park Campgrounds.” Environmental History 14, no. 4 (2009): 651–82. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40608542.

Summary:

This article discusses the struggle to desegregate national park campgrounds in the United States during the 1930s. It highlights the discriminatory practices and policies that were in place, as well as the efforts of individuals like William Trent and Charles Johnson to advocate for equal access to recreational facilities for African Americans. The article also explores the role of Secretary Harold Ickes in implementing policies to address racial segregation in national parks.

Topics Addressed in this Source:

  • What were some of the discriminatory practices and policies that African Americans faced in national parks during the 1930s?
  • How did individuals like William Trent and Charles Johnson advocate for equal access to national park campgrounds?
  • What role did Secretary Harold Ickes play in addressing racial segregation in national parks, and what were some of the challenges he faced in implementing policies?

    Report compiled by Bill Youngs – summary generated by Humata AI

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    A Balancing Act: Visitation and Conservation

    Citation: 

    Daniels, Thomas L. “NATIONAL PARKS: WHERE THE TIMELESS LANDSCAPE MEETS THE TOURIST TIME CLOCK.” Journal of Architectural and Planning Research 26, no. 2 (2009): 111–23. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43030859 

    Summary: 

    The article addresses the tension between short-term recreational experiences and the long-term preservation of national parks by discussing the challenges faced by the National Park Service. It highlights the increasing number of tourists and the pressure this puts on the parks’ natural landscapes. The article emphasizes the need for effective planning and management to balance conservation and visitor facilities. It also discusses the history of national park planning in the U.S., including issues such as deferred maintenance, budget troubles, and controversies surrounding land acquisition. The article further explores the balance between providing wilderness experiences and accommodating millions of visitors. It mentions laws that shape national park planning and the various plans drafted for individual parks. The article also highlights the tension between short-term financial needs and long-term conservation goals. It explores the role of architecture and planning in national parks, including the need for buildings to blend into the natural surroundings and the debate over the use of modern technologies. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of preserving nature for future generations and resisting pressures to commercialize the parks.

    Report compiled by Bill Youngs – article summary generated with Humata AI

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    Reservations and Access in Glacier National Park

    Citation:

    DEGROFF, KATHERINE. 2023. “Reservations Required?” National Parks 97 (2): 58–60. https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.library.ewu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=162964331&site=ehost-live&scope=site. 

    Summary:

    The author faced several challenges when visiting Glacier National Park without a reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Upon arrival at the park’s West Entrance, they were informed by a ranger that they needed a ticket to access the Going-to-the-Sun corridor, even to reach the Apgar Visitor Center, which was near where the road starts. This was unexpected as the author had planned their visit and read the information on the website, but was not aware of this requirement. After being turned away, they had to regroup and figure out how to explore the park without the coveted pass.

    The author managed to explore the park despite not having a reservation by being flexible and spontaneous. They visited parts of the park that did not require a reservation, such as the Two Medicine area, where they enjoyed alpine views and a ride on a nearly 100-year-old wooden boat. Despite some unsuccessful attempts and detours, they pushed ahead and allowed themselves to be surprised by chance

    Managing access to national parks is important to maintain a balance between visitor experiences and park preservation because it helps to control the number of visitors, thereby reducing the impact on the environment and wildlife. Moreover, it can also enhance visitor experiences by preventing overcrowding and maintaining the tranquility and solitude that many visitors seek. As the popularity of national parks grows, park managers face the complex challenge of promoting accessibility while also preserving the experiences that visitors value most. This is why some parks have started to implement reservation systems to manage access.

    Report compiled by Bill Youngs – article summary generated with Humata AI

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