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Why do we have national parks?

There are many good reasons for having national parks. They provide a safe home for native plants and animals. They help keep the air and water clean. They help us to learn about the environment. National parks give us places to enjoy.

For the variety of living things All the different plants and animals on Earth make up the variety of living things, or 'biodiversity'. We share this planet with all these creatures and we must do our best to protect them. Many plants and animals can only live in certain areas. National parks protect some of these areas.

For a healthy environment We all need fresh air, clean water and food. Without them we would die. The leaves of plants make fresh air. Their roots hold the soil together, which stops erosion and helps keep our waterways clean. National parks have lots of plants so they play a big part in keeping our environment healthy.

For our enjoyment and health National parks are places of natural beauty. They are places for people to relax in and enjoy. Many people have fun bushwalking, camping or having a picnic. There are lots of things to do in a national park such as swimming, skiing, painting, taking photographs, enjoying the view and taking in fresh air.

For learning National parks are places for everybody to learn about native plants and animals and the way they rely on each other. Historic sites and Aboriginal sites also help us to learn about how people lived in the past.

More stuff to download

Activity sheet (PDF - 101KB)
We have national parks for many reasons. See how many you can think of in this activity sheet.