K ATHY R ETTIE
4.6. Conclusion
Canada’s national parks have wielded a unique class of economic and political leverage since their inception. Banff, the first national park, was created as one means to generate funds for the railway and secure confederation. Canadians value their national parks as symbols of nationhood; the iconic landscapes have special meaning and whether experienced first-hand or not, a sense of connection and stewardship exists.
Conservation of iconic natural resources ensures ongoing tourism value. This is certainly the case with Canada’s national parks that contribute over CDN$2.4 billion to the federal GDP. Recent efforts to increase revenue through greater park visitation entail aggressive marketing schemes. The impacts of increased visitation and the ‘sale’ of national parks do not sit well with those who put conservation first.
Reducing overhead through staff cuts and fewer services may negatively
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impact Parks Canada’s plans to meet connection and visitation targets as disappointed visitors go elsewhere.
The values and personal benefits that Canadians associate with national parks enhance their political capital. Politicians use Canadians’
affinity for their parks to secure favour, sometimes portraying themselves as saviours and protectors of threatened landscapes. Extra effort is made to manage the media and promote ‘good news’ stories.
It is my sincere hope that, ultimately, altruistic and existence values for nature will prevail. The nature that inspired the creation of national parks and mans’ reverence for that nature will continue to exist – and inspire – long after the latest economic and political campaigns have served their short–sighted purpose(s).
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