The United States National Park System: Overview, Challenges and Policy Recommendations for China
Journal Title: Journal of Environmental Law & Policy - Year 2023, Vol 3, Issue 3
Abstract
This article conducts a comparative analysis of national park legislation, focusing on insights from the US National Park System to inform the development of China's emerging national park framework. Against the backdrop of a global conservation movement, the US system serves as a valuable model for China, which initiated its own national park system in 2017. On October 12, 2021, China has formally established its inaugural set of national parks, comprising the Three-River-Source National Park, the Giant Panda National Park, the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, the Hainan Tropical Forests National Park, and the Wuyishan National Park. Encompassing approximately 230,000 square kilometres, these five national parks safeguard nearly 30% of China's crucial terrestrial wildlife species. As China endeavours to enact comprehensive legislation for its national parks, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts by addressing key questions such as the efficacy of the US's "One National Park, One Law" model, the governance dynamics between federal, state, and local entities, and strategies for balancing conservation with diverse land uses. The analysis spans five sections, exploring the historical evolution of the US National Park System, its legal framework, challenges faced by US national parks, and policy recommendations for China. The US experience highlights the importance of establishing clear legal authorities, fostering robust public participation mechanisms, and harmonizing relationships with Indigenous communities. The findings presented in this study aspire to facilitate a nuanced understanding of national park legislation, promoting international collaboration between the US and China for the sustainable management of natural lands and the protection of global biodiversity.
Authors and Affiliations
James Brien
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP739993
- DOI https://doi.org/10.33002/jelp030304
- Views 72
- Downloads 0
CHARTING THE COURSE FOR A BLUE ECONOMY IN NIGERIA: A LEGAL AGENDA
Ocean and coast based economic activities are increasingly being recognized as key drivers for supporting global economies. This move towards a “blue economy” is becoming widespread in view of the paucity of land resourc...
Conceptual Challenges to the Recognition and Enforcement of the Right to Clean, Safe and Healthy Environment
The right to clean or healthy environment, or what may be called environmental right, is one of the most controversial emerging rights since the agitation for the recognition of the link between human rights and the envi...
Allelopathic Responses of Crop Species to Chromolaena odorata Root Exudate Extracts: A Comprehensive Study
This study investigates the allelopathic effects of root exudate extracts from Chromolaena odorata on the germination and growth of six crop species. The results reveal variable sensitivity among the species, with the co...
Exploring the Lessons of the Kimberley Process for Climate Change Action
There has been a great deal of academic discourse about policy and governance choices embedded in the UNFCCC-based regimes for Climate Change action, and they point to the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of such regimes...
Transition to Sustainable Energy as a Tool for Decarbonisation in Nigeria: Regulatory Challenges
Global energy mix is shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Most developed nations are working towards decarbonizing their economy while ensuring sustainable energy. This energy transformation is also expected t...