#NatureForAll Partners Around the World
Each park has a special meaning for individuals. We asked 850 people what their favourite park or protected area was. We received almost 500 different answers. Maybe it’s just too hard to choose just one?
Whether it’s the Serengeti, the Galapagos Islands, Fernando de Norohña or Zizhuyuan park, there are countless national parks around the world for people to experience nature. The IUCN Commission on Education and Communications recently conducted a survey for #NatureForAll asking which park or protected area they’d like to visit the most. More than 850 people responded with over 500 different answers.
It’s clear there’s a lot of love for protected places, and maybe too many to actually choose from, but here are the top 9 results. While these nine places are from around the world, they are all connected through #NatureForAll’s network of partners! Just as these parks are diverse geographically, the work that partners do also takes many different forms, but they are all working towards the same goal of helping the world connect with nature! As such, here’s a closer look at some of the #NatureForAll partners that can be found near or involved in these iconic places!
Yellowstone National Park (68 votes): Jackson Wild is a global community committed to using storytelling and media platforms to create change for the wild. Based out of Wyoming, Jackson Wild has been able to inspire others to create films about nature conservation to help advance the movement. Not far away is Yellowstone National Park, home to an array of natural hot springs and geysers. From large herds of buffalo to roaming grizzly bears, this park should be on everyone’s list to visit!
Serengeti National Park (64): While Tanzania is home to the Serengeti National Park, it is also home to the Tengeneza Generation group. While zebras and wildebeests roam in the wild, Tengeneza Generation is an organization led by youth working towards different conservation goals. Over the span of three years, the organization has been able to train over 250 youth groups on important environmental and conservation issues within their own communities.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (44): If you’re interested in the ocean and marine life, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia may be the park for you to visit! Teeming with marine life, the park is the world’s largest coral reef stretching almost 2,300 kilometers! Located down the coast is the Sunshine Coast Environmental Council (SCEC). With a focus on environmental policy, the council supports local groups that aim to protect natural environments. Through community education, the SCEC’s goal is to continue encouraging action on climate change.
Parque Nacional Galápagos (37): Some of the best wildlife nature has to offer is often located far away in remote regions. One example are the Galápagos Islands which sit about 1000km off the coast of Ecuador. Filled with a vast array of plant and animal species, many found only on the islands, the Galápagos are truly a must-visit region. Also operating in Ecuador is the organization Frente Insular de la Reserva Marina de Galápagos. Their goal is to support action and initiatives that will continue to protect this majestic piece of the world.
Yosemite National Park (33): Located in California, Yosemite National Park may be one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Known for beautiful waterfalls such as Wapama and Cascade, Yosemite is also home to a diverse collection of natural wonders. Nearby, the University of California Natural Reserve System is a library of ecosystems that are located throughout California for researchers, teachers, and anyone in between to use. The system is a network of more than 41 protected landscapes and covers 47,000 acres in total.
Torres Del Paine National Park (21): If you’re looking for an adventure somewhere in South America, Chile’s Torres Del Paine National Park offers some of the most stunning natural geography in the world. Located in the Patagonia region, Torres Del Paine contains natural wonders like La Cascada del Rio Paine. Also in Chile is Asociación Dosel, whose team has spent years working to find solutions to different ecological issues, including native plants. For over 10 years, Dosel has been protecting native plants in Chile from external threats, which has also created green jobs and made more people aware of the issues they face.
Banff National Park (18): The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most breathtaking views in the world. With incredibly high peaks at Mt. Forbes, to the crystal blue glacial water at Lake Louise, there is an outdoor adventure for everyone. Parks Canada takes care of the country’s national parks, and has locations throughout Canada, with Banff being the first park ever created. Although there are national park locations across the country, Banff is certainly a favourite among many Canadians due to the majestic mountains and serene lakes.
Kruger National Park (16): If wildlife is something that may interest you, then going to the Kruger National Park in South Africa may be the best area to visit. The park has the most large-mammal species in all of Africa, ranging from elephants to hyenas. If you’re thinking about studying wildlife, then you should consider attending the South African Wildlife College. The college’s goal is to protect and conserve South Africa’s wildlife, while also providing an enriching and informative learning experience for students.
No matter where you end up exploring first, all national parks and protected areas are unique with their own incredible natural features. High peaks, rushing waterfalls, and incredible wildlife are just a few things that can be found around the world. Don’t limit your imagination to just this list, however, as there are places to adventure all around the world.