Living Nature: Adventure, Culture, and Preservation
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PHRASAL VERBS DICTIONARY
A Legacy Begins: The Creation of National Parks
National Parks: A Historical Beginning
The creation of the first national parks in the 19th century came about as a response to the environmental damage that had built up over decades of expansion and industrialization. As cities kept on growing and forests were wiped out to make way for railroads and farmland, a growing awareness started to take hold: nature had to be protected before it vanished.
In 1872, Yellowstone was officially set up, becoming the world’s first national park. But this decision went beyond simple preservation — it also stood for national pride and political symbolism. The U.S. government wanted to show off the vastness of its land and lay out a legacy that would live on for future generations.
At the same time, naturalists and artists called for protection of untouched landscapes and began to point out the ecological and spiritual value of wild areas. Their work caught on quickly, as other countries picked up on the idea and brought about their own national park systems.
Over time, the act of protecting nature turned into more than just a noble gesture — it became a tool to push back against environmental collapse. National parks now help us hold on to biodiversity, cut down on pollution, and balance out the pressures of urban life.
From Yellowstone to the World:
Parks That Caught On
After the United States came up with the idea of protecting natural areas as national parks, several other countries began to follow along. Inspired by Yellowstone’s success, they also set aside portions of land to protect ecosystems, preserve landscapes, and celebrate cultural heritage.
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In Canada, Banff National Park was brought into being in 1885, just over a decade after Yellowstone. Australia went on to create its own system of parks starting with Royal National Park in 1879. In South America, countries like Brazil and Argentina carried out preservation efforts that led to the creation of iconic parks such as Iguaçu and Los Glaciares.
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Over time, the national park model caught on worldwide — from Kruger in South Africa to Fiordland in New Zealand. Today, nearly every country has found a way to take part in this global movement to protect what matters most.
National Parks and Global Sustainability
Why It Still Matters?
National parks remind us that preservation is not only about protecting beauty — it’s about protecting meaning, identity, and the future. Behind each trail, forest, or coastal cliff lies a story of human effort, cooperation, and resilience. These places have grown into more than protected zones — they are living lessons about who we are.
The creation of parks, and the international efforts to support them, show us what’s possible when countries come together for a shared cause. In a world marked by division, these spaces still stand for unity and hope — proof that collaboration can overcome isolation.
What if we looked at every protected area not just as land set aside, but as a decision to believe in something bigger than ourselves? The act of preservation invites us to participate, reflect, and pass something on — not just to future generations, but to the version of ourselves that refuses to give up on the planet.
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The Birth of National Parks
What historical context led to the creation of the first national parks?
 The rise of industrialization, urban expansion, and ecological degradation pushed governments to set aside natural areas for preservation.
What role did Yellowstone play in shaping global preservation efforts?
 Yellowstone, created in 1872, was the first national park in the world and became a model for other countries to follow.
How did industrialization influence the rise of environmental awareness?
As industrialization spread, it caused visible damage to landscapes and ecosystems, prompting a movement to protect what was left.
Why were national parks seen as symbols of national identity?
Governments used parks to promote pride and unity, showcasing their natural beauty as part of the nation’s legacy.
What shift occurred when the idea of preservation began spreading internationally?
The concept evolved from a nationalistic gesture to a global movement involving shared responsibility and cooperation.
The Role of the GEF
What is the main purpose of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)?
The GEF was created to fund and support environmental preservation efforts, especially in developing countries.
In what ways does the GEF support biodiversity and protected areas?
It helps countries set aside protected land, restore degraded ecosystems, and implement sustainable management strategies.
How does the GEF help countries address climate change?
The GEF funds projects that reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, and assist communities in adapting to climate impacts.
What is the political significance of GEF-supported projects?
These projects show international cooperation and strengthen a country’s global image as a sustainable and responsible actor.
How do GEF initiatives connect environment, economy, and international cooperation?
By combining conservation with economic development and diplomatic engagement, GEF initiatives create integrated solutions to global problems.
Why It Still Matters
What deeper meaning do national parks represent, beyond natural beauty?
They represent identity, the future, and shared values like cooperation and resilience.
According to the text, what have national parks grown into?
They have grown into powerful tools of learning, unity, and global purpose.
How does the text describe the role of international cooperation in preservation?
It highlights that countries must come together to protect what matters most.
What does “set aside” refer to in the context of the text?
It refers to the act of reserving land and resources for something bigger than individual interests.
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What final question does the text leave for the reader to consider?
What if preservation is not just about the planet — but about believing in something beyond ourselves?