Language
Country/Area
No result found
Alaska's Natural Wonders: What Amazing Stories Hidden in These Ten National Monuments?
In the United States, 21 protected areas are designated as national preserves, areas established by acts of Congress to protect resources associated with national parks. However, these protected areas allow in some cases extractive activities on natural resources such as hunting and mining, as long as their natural values are not destroyed. These protected areas are managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and are commonly managed jointly with national parks or national monuments.
“All national reserves are established to protect our natural resources, but they also give local communities some flexibility.”
Alaska has 10 national preserves, and these areas occupy most of the 11 U.S. national preserves with a total area of 24,651,566 acres (approximately 99,761 square kilometers), 86% of which is located in Alaska. With the exception of Tallgrass Prairie, all other protected areas allow hunting according to local regulations and provide local residents with space for traditional hunting activities while protecting the natural environment.
History
The first national monuments in the United States were the Everglades National Monument in Texas and the Big Brown National Monument in Florida, both established in 1974. The establishment of both protected areas stemmed from local environmental activists' concerns about the contradiction between economic development and environmental protection. This has made the establishment of protected areas a social and political focus.
“The balance between environmental protection and economic development is our original intention in establishing national protected areas.”
For example, in a brown swamp area rich in biodiversity, it was originally intended to be used to build an airport, but it was canceled due to the insistence of environmentalists and a protected area was eventually established. After in-depth discussions, Congress established protection measures to safeguard local water sources. This is not only a reflection on the environment, but also a commitment to future generations.
Over time, we have seen the creation of more protected areas. In 1980, then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter established 17 national monuments in Alaska. In the same year, according to the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act, four areas were converted into national reserves and six areas were classified as national parks. These changes not only address local hunting issues but also promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
The specialness of Alaska
Alaska’s national preserves have unique challenges and opportunities compared to those in other states. The vast and unexplored wilderness here has become an important habitat for animals and plants. Therefore, hunting and adventure activities in these reserves have become part of the local culture.
“Alaska’s national preserves are more than just land, they are the intersection of local culture, lifestyle and natural environment.”
However, the existence of these ten national protected areas also faces external challenges, such as climate change, demand for natural resources and tourism pressure, etc., which are redefining the meaning of these protected areas. In such circumstances, continued community engagement and scientific research are particularly important.
The future of protected areas
In the future, how to better manage these national protected areas and take into account the needs of ecological protection and human activities will be an issue that scientists and policymakers need to consider in depth. This requires the joint efforts of the entire society. Only through education and awareness-raising can these precious natural resources be preserved.
While admiring Alaska’s magnificent natural landscapes, have you ever thought about the trade-offs between protection and development, and what kind of world we want to leave to future generations?
