History of National park in Timeline

A national park is a protected area designated by a government for conservation due to its natural, historic, or cultural significance. These parks, often symbols of national pride, prioritize the preservation of wild nature for future generations. While government standards for designation vary, national parks are typically accessible to the public and managed by national governments. However, in some countries, subnational authorities may oversee these parks. The primary aim of national parks is conservation, ensuring the ongoing protection of these valuable areas.

1909: Sweden National Parks

In 1909, Sweden established a set of nine national parks following the passing of a Riksdag law on national parks that year.

May 19, 1911: Parks Canada Established

On May 19, 1911, Parks Canada was established as the world's oldest national park service.

1914: Swiss National Park Founding

In 1914, Switzerland became the second European nation with the founding of the Swiss National Park.

August 1916: National Park Service Organic Act Signed into Law

In August 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act into law, passed by the 64th United States Congress on August 25, 1916.

1916: Park Ranger Roles Shifted

Since the establishment of the National Park Service in the US in 1916, the role of the park ranger has shifted from merely being a custodian of natural resources to include several activities that are associated with law enforcement.

1925: Albert National Park Established

In 1925, king Albert I of Belgium designated an area in the east of what was then his personal domain of Congo Free State, now Democratic Republic of Congo as the Albert National Park, later renamed Virunga National Park.

1926: Kruger National Park Designated

In 1926, the government of South Africa designated Kruger National Park as the nation's first national park.

1934: Nahuel Huapi National Park Creation

In 1934, Argentina created the Nahuel Huapi National Park through the initiative of Francisco Moreno, becoming the third country in the Americas to establish a national park system.

1951: Peak District National Park Designated

In 1951, the United Kingdom designated its first national park, Peak District National Park.

1963: Vanoise National Park Creation

In 1963, the Vanoise National Park in the Alps was created as the first French national park.

1969: IUCN Declares National Park Defining Characteristics

In 1969, the IUCN declared that a national park is a relatively large area with specific defining characteristics.

1971: Lahemaa National Park Designation

In 1971, Lahemaa National Park in Estonian SSR became the first area to be designated a national park in the former Soviet Union.

1971: National Park Criteria Expanded

In 1971, the criteria for defining a national park were further expanded upon, leading to clearer benchmarks for evaluation.

1973: Mount Kilimanjaro Classified as National Park

In 1973, Mount Kilimanjaro was classified as a National Park.

1974: Northeast Greenland National Park Established

In 1974, the Northeast Greenland National Park was established. It is the largest national park in the world meeting the IUCN definition, with an area of 972,000 square kilometers.

1977: Mount Kilimanjaro Opened to Public

In 1977, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park was opened to public access.

1985: Tourism to Costa Rica Parks Increased

From 1985, tourism to national parks in Costa Rica increased significantly.

1989: Qomolangma National Nature Preserve Created

In 1989, the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve (QNNP) was created to protect 3.381 million hectares on the north slope of Mount Everest in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.