Biosphere reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are all important for the conservation and protection of plants and wildlife. These protected areas serve as habitats for a variety of plant and animal species, and help to maintain ecological balance.

Biosphere reserves are areas that are designated for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. They are meant to be areas where research, education and conservation activities take place, while also allowing for human activities such as agriculture and forestry. Biosphere reserves are important because they help to protect ecosystems and the services they provide, such as clean water, air and soil. They also promote sustainable development by encouraging the use of renewable resources and reducing the impact of human activities on the environment.

Wildlife sanctuaries are areas that are set aside for the protection of wildlife and their habitats. They are meant to be areas where animals can live and breed without disturbance, and where their natural habitats can be maintained. Wildlife sanctuaries are important because they help to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity. They also serve as important research and educational sites, helping us to better understand the behavior and needs of different species of animals.

National parks are similar to wildlife sanctuaries in that they are areas set aside for the protection of wildlife and their habitats. However, national parks are also meant to be areas where people can come and enjoy nature, participate in outdoor activities and learn about the natural world. National parks are important because they provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, and to learn about the importance of conservation and environmental protection.

In summary, biosphere reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are all important for the conservation and protection of plants and wildlife. These protected areas help to maintain ecological balance, preserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable development. They also provide opportunities for people to connect with nature and learn about the importance of conservation and environmental protection.

In the modern, overpopulated world the need for dedicated space for wildlife is increasingly important. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected spaces for nature help conserve the natural world and benefit us all in many ways. Whether a National Park is giving someone space to walk and exercise, or a wildlife sanctuary is promoting conservation, these places play an important role in society. Here we look at some of the benefits:



What is a National Park?

A National Park is a natural space that is dedicated for the purposes of conservation, recreation, and protection. Different countries have their own national parks and the designation of national parks across the globe depends on each individual country’s system and judgment. But most national parks have similar aims – to conserve wild nature in order to protect it for the future as well as allow people the chance to enjoy it. National parks are often a symbol of national pride. Most national parks are open to the public and provide opportunities for recreation, camping, and walking. Most national parks have an outstanding level of natural beauty, whether the beauty comes from mountains, lakes, rivers or plains.

The first national park was established in the United States in 1872 – Yellowstone National Park. Mackinac Island in the US was established in 1875 and the third national park created in the world was the Royal National Park in Australia. The largest national park by area is the Northeast Greenland National Park, which was developed in 1974.

What is a Wildlife Sanctuary?

Animal sanctuaries exist for many specific reasons, but the overriding reason is to help protect animals and safeguard their lives. Animal sanctuaries give new homes to abandoned animals and animals rescued from dangerous conditions, help to protect animals from illegal activities, and serve as places where endangered animals breed and are therefore protected. Animals in animal sanctuaries cannot be responsibly returned to their natural habitats as they are not fit enough for the wild, or their habitat has been destroyed. A sanctuary is a haven, a place where animals can be protected.

Visitors to National Parks
National parks are increasingly popular around the world. They attract visitors not just from the inside the country but internationally – many people travel to a certain country with the specific intention of visiting their National Parks. Therefore, these parks and sanctuaries are very important for tourism.
For example, in the United States In 2016, 330,971,689 people visited National Parks, according to the National Park Service website. The most-visited national park in the US was the Great Smoky Mountains NP, followed by the Grand Canyon NP and Rocky Mountain NP. In the UK, 4.15 million people visited the Brecon Beacons National Park in 2014.

If you are planning a dream trip to a national park outside your own country you’ll need expert visitor travel health insurance to cover the cost of any unexpected illness, accident and/or evacuation.

What are the Benefits of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries?

National Parks Help Protect Wildlife
Unfortunately many animal species today face extinction, mainly because their natural habitats are being steadily destroyed. National parks safeguard these habitats, and provide a safe space for wildlife to breed and survive. Without national parks certain animal species are at greater risk of becoming extinct – a landscape needs to be protected in order to provide habitat for wildlife. Animal sanctuaries give a specific place where animals are kept in captivity in order to preserve the species.

National Parks Help Protect Landscapes
Animals are not the only things that are at risk of disappearing. Landforms like mountains, rainforests, gorges and dunes are at risk of disappearing if they are not protected from the actions of humans and also the natural action of the environment. Many landforms are at risk from pollution, and when they are controlled under national park status they have a better chance of survival. Landforms in national parks are protected from development, destruction, and pollution.

Parks and Sanctuaries Preserve History
Historical structures built on national park land are preserved in order to give us a better idea of how people lived in the past, and how their cultures worked. There are many different structures that can be preserved which allow people to learn from the past and continue building for the future.

Helping Preserve Cultures and Tribes
In many national parks around the world people live generally apart from main civilization, and their culture and members are largely protected thanks to the status of the national park. By setting up protected areas, tribes and indigenous peoples who would otherwise struggle in the face of development are protected from these actions. National parks not only protect animals and wildlife, they can also sometimes protect people too.

Giving People the Chance for Healthy Activity
National parks and to some extent wildlife sanctuaries also exist to provide members of the public with the space for healthy exercise and recreation in the open air. It is important to conserve places where the natural environment is intact, so that people can slow down, enjoy nature, and get some exercise by walking, running, or riding bikes. Many national parks in the US have established trail systems that offer extensive routes for exploration on foot. People benefit from cleaner air to breathe and the chance to relax and combat the stress of busy lives.

Exchange Students and National Parks

Exchange students can experience America by joining the National Park Service. There are many different ways exchange students can become involved through the J-1 exchange Visitor Program at National Parks. As a work and travel student on a J visa you can find internship opportunities to suit your needs and interests. As an Exchange visitor you can gain a unique cultural perspective of the US and also enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, camping. Make sure to have the appropriate Exchange visitor insurance that meets the US government’s specification when you apply for these programs.