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Land
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Navigating the Balance: The Role of National Parks in Ecological...
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Navigating the Balance: The Role of National Parks in Ecological Conservation and Socioeconomic Development

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Land Socio-Economic and Political Issues".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 6156

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Fanglei Zhong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Economics, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: sustainable development goals; residential energy consumption transition; natural resource management; ecological economics; biological and cultural diversity; shared socio-economic pathways scenarios; peak carbon emissions and carbon neutral pathways
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Lihua Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: ecological economics and regional sustainable development; environmental policy and management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The diverse climatic, locational, and historical contexts of national parks necessitate a nuanced understanding of their conservation challenges and priorities. Since the 1980s, the trade-offs between ecological preservation and regional economic development have sparked extensive debate, underlining the complex interplay between environmental conservation and human well-being. This Special Issue seeks to highlight the importance of identifying key factors in the diverse natural environments of national parks and understand the socioeconomic impacts of conservation policies on local communities. National parks have historically faced challenges in balancing ecological protection with the socioeconomic needs of adjacent communities, often leading to conflicts that affect both the parks' conservation goals and the quality of life for local residents.

The goal of this Special Issue is to explore the intricate balance between preserving natural environments and fostering socioeconomic welfare within and around national parks.

Considering the complexity and diversity of National Parks, this issue covers various topics. We are looking for contributions that look into how to assess and improve National Park protection, both broadly and in detail. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • The socioeconomic impacts of national parks on local communities;
  • Strategies for balancing conservation efforts with regional economic development;
  • The influence of political, economic, and cultural traditions on national park policies and practices;
  • Predictive models and scenario simulations for sustainable development within national parks;
  • Historical, current, and future perspectives on the role of national parks in societal and economic systems.

We encourage contributions in the form of original research articles, reviews, case studies, and perspective pieces that shed light on the multifaceted role of national parks in ecological and socioeconomic systems.

Dr. Fanglei Zhong
Prof. Dr. Lihua Zhou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable development goals
  • national parks
  • mode of management
  • socioeconomic development
  • conservation

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 1799 KiB  
Article
Promoting Rural Revitalization via Natural Resource Value Realization in National Parks: A Case Study of Baishanzu National Park
by Hongyu Luo, Guangning Sun, Weilong Zhou, Jihe Lian, Yanfei Sun and Yingen Hu
Land 2025, 14(2), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020298 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 237
Abstract
The realization of natural resource value serves as a critical entry point for advancing rural revitalization within the framework of ecological civilization construction, representing an essential approach to balancing ecological conservation and economic development in national parks. Based on clarifying the logical relationship [...] Read more.
The realization of natural resource value serves as a critical entry point for advancing rural revitalization within the framework of ecological civilization construction, representing an essential approach to balancing ecological conservation and economic development in national parks. Based on clarifying the logical relationship and the driving mechanisms between the realization of natural resource value and rural revitalization, this paper employs field observation and in-depth interviews using Baishanzu National Park as a case study to analyze how general control zones in national parks can promote rural revitalization under ecological constraints through the realization of natural resource value. The results indicate the following: (1) By constructing a framework of “realistic background—pathway selection—model condensation—effectiveness analysis”, the mechanism of how natural resource value realization promotes rural revitalization can be analyzed, with a focus on its pathways and models. (2) The pathways for realizing natural resource value to promote rural revitalization include resource integration, investment development, capital production and operation, and the circulation and exchange of ecological products and services. These pathways contribute to various dimensions of rural revitalization at different stages: assetization, capitalization, productization, and monetization. (3) Within different functional zones of the general control area in national parks, including ecological restoration zones, traditional utilization zones, and recreation and exhibition zones, the value of natural resources can promote rural revitalization through three realization modes: preservation, transformation, and value-added enhancement, reflecting diverse approaches and differentiated outcomes of value realization. To comprehensively promote rural revitalization in national parks through the realization of natural resource value, it is first necessary to fully identify regional resource endowments, conservation objectives, and developmental constraints. Second, regional resources should be integrated to pursue synergistic innovation. Finally, attention must be paid to achieving comprehensive benefits for sustainable development. The research findings provide valuable references for the high-quality development of national parks and rural revitalization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating the Balance: The Role of National Parks in Ecological Conservation and Socioeconomic Development)
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17 pages, 3831 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Recreational Resource Value of National Park Based on Visitor Perception—A Case of Three-River-Source National Park in China
by Xiao Luo, Zongcai Huang and Lingen Wang
Land 2024, 13(11), 1882; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111882 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 755
Abstract
National parks serve as critical practical sites for advancing the concept of “harmonious coexistence between humans and nature” and hold a strategic role in establishing global ecological security barriers. Scholars and decision-makers have expressed significant interest in rigorous assessments of the recreational resource [...] Read more.
National parks serve as critical practical sites for advancing the concept of “harmonious coexistence between humans and nature” and hold a strategic role in establishing global ecological security barriers. Scholars and decision-makers have expressed significant interest in rigorous assessments of the recreational resource value in national parks. This paper focuses on the Three-River-Source National Park, examining the characteristics and components of its recreational resource value through the lens of human–environment relationship theory. Analysis spans dimensions of geological and geomorphological value, ecological service value, historical and cultural value, and aesthetic landscape value. By extracting visitor comments rich in vocabulary related to their perceptions, this study compares variations in resource values and the “resource value–visitor perception” synergy within Three-River-Source National Park, employing text analysis, semantic network analysis, and coordination analysis methods. The findings reveal that (1) Visitor perceptions of recreational resource value display a clear hierarchy, with aesthetic landscape value (43.6%) ranking highest, followed by geological and geomorphological value (26.7%), historical and cultural value (19.3%), and ecological service value (10.4%), showing significant variation among categories; the vocabulary across these value types exhibits a pronounced long-tail distribution. (2) The recreational resource value in the park forms a distinct core centered on prominent attractions, accompanied by patterns of vocabulary aggregation and dispersion. (3) Visitors demonstrate strong synergy in their perception of geological and aesthetic value, weaker perception regarding historical and cultural value, and a relatively narrow understanding of ecological service value. This research enhances public comprehension of the recreational resource value of national parks and provides a scientific foundation for the conservation and sustainable use of recreational resources in national parks, advancing the realization of their recreational functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating the Balance: The Role of National Parks in Ecological Conservation and Socioeconomic Development)
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24 pages, 3053 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Development Pathways for National Parks and Local Regions: Shared Socioeconomic Pathway Scenario Forecasting and Optimization
by Danni Sun, Fanglei Zhong, Ying Nie, Yulian Ma, Yusong Liu and Yang Liu
Land 2024, 13(9), 1409; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091409 - 1 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1594
Abstract
National parks play a crucial role in protecting ecosystems and biodiversity while facing challenges in balancing nature conservation and economic development. However, because of the difficulty in the unified simulation of natural protection functions and regional socioeconomic development, there is a lack of [...] Read more.
National parks play a crucial role in protecting ecosystems and biodiversity while facing challenges in balancing nature conservation and economic development. However, because of the difficulty in the unified simulation of natural protection functions and regional socioeconomic development, there is a lack of integrated prediction research on the comprehensive development pathways of national parks and their surrounding areas. This study adopts the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) framework that links climate change research with socioeconomic development paths, taking China’s first national park—Sanjiangyuan National Park—region as an example, to conduct research on the synergistic development path of regional socioeconomic development and national parks. The model design includes five typical paths to cover a wide range of socioeconomic development possibilities. These paths are based on different assumptions, including factors such as population growth, economic development, energy use, technological progress, and policy choices. By applying scenario planning methods, optimal development pathways are identified based on environmental, economic, and social priorities. The results show that GDP growth is fastest under the sustainable development and fossil fuel development pathways. By 2050, the population difference under different pathways will approach 100,000, and the GDP gap will be close to CNY 200 billion. This study provides valuable insights for the planning, decision-making, and management of Sanjiangyuan and similar national parks and their surrounding areas, contributing to the promotion of sustainable ecological and economic development of national parks and their regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating the Balance: The Role of National Parks in Ecological Conservation and Socioeconomic Development)
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27 pages, 3093 KiB  
Article
Compliance with MAB-UNESCO Functions and Management Effectiveness Evaluation between 2017 and 2024: Case Study of the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico’s Only State-Run Reserve Belonging to MAB-UNESCO
by Frida Carmina Caballero-Rico, Ramón Ventura Roque-Hernández, Carlos Barriga-Vallejo, Rubén A. Valero-Castillo, Ricardo Rozzi and Arturo Mora-Olivo
Land 2024, 13(8), 1204; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13081204 - 5 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1420
Abstract
UNESCO’s MAB Programme promotes a people-centered conservation strategy to strengthen the sustainability of social and ecological systems. However, there exist knowledge gaps regarding its implementation in specific contexts. For this study, a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design was employed. In the first phase, an [...] Read more.
UNESCO’s MAB Programme promotes a people-centered conservation strategy to strengthen the sustainability of social and ecological systems. However, there exist knowledge gaps regarding its implementation in specific contexts. For this study, a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design was employed. In the first phase, an initial content analysis of the management program of the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve (CBR) and the functions of the statutory framework of UNESCO’s MAB program was conducted. This analysis, which was human-driven but facilitated by artificial intelligence tools, underwent rigorous triangulation and expert validation to strengthen the reliability and robustness of the findings. Subsequently, the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT3) was issued to researchers, community members, civil servants, and former civil servants related to the management of the CBR. The 2024 results (n = 15) were contrasted with those obtained in 2017 (n = 15) using a quantitative approach consisting of descriptive, non-parametric, and Bayesian statistical techniques. We identified some problems in the implementation of the MAB-UNESCO Programme in the CBR, mainly due to the outdated management program and lack of effective governance, as well as the lack of understanding of the implications of being a MAB-UNESCO biosphere reserve. A numerical trend of deterioration in the effectiveness of the CBR’s management was detected, with overall ratings of 44.78% and 29.62% in 2017 and 2024, respectively. This was associated with a lack of regulation, weak coordination among key actors, and a progressive reduction in funding. The findings of this study are useful to guide the transition of the CBR towards a conservation model that responds to current problems and contributes to the advancement of knowledge on the implementation of the MAB Programme in specific contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating the Balance: The Role of National Parks in Ecological Conservation and Socioeconomic Development)
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27 pages, 2332 KiB  
Article
Contractual Mechanisms in National Park Management: A Multi-Task Principal–Agent Model
by Mingxin Lin and Zuomin Wen
Land 2024, 13(7), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070914 - 23 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1348
Abstract
In the management of national parks, the principal–agent relationship is key to efficient and effective management. Based on multi-task principal–agent theory, this study examines the dual functions of central government incentives and guidance and the objectives of local National Park Administration offices in [...] Read more.
In the management of national parks, the principal–agent relationship is key to efficient and effective management. Based on multi-task principal–agent theory, this study examines the dual functions of central government incentives and guidance and the objectives of local National Park Administration offices in environmental conservation and reasonable resource utilization. First, this study constructs a multi-task principal–agent model for central and local governments within the national park management system and identifies effective contractual mechanisms. Second, this study examines the relationship between the intensity of central government incentives and the ecological conservation atmosphere coefficient. Third, by integrating the three stages of national park management system advancement, this study explores the central government’s incentive strategies at different stages. The findings indicate that local governments receive limited ecological conservation support, underscoring the need for long-term central government incentives. The findings also confirm that the effective management of national parks by local governments can only be achieved by eliminating external uncertainties, reducing the variable costs of innovative advancements, and controlling risk aversion in local National Park Administration processes. In addition, this study includes empirical data for sensitivity analyses to understand the robustness of the model under different scenarios. This study offers valuable insights and practical suggestions for enhancing national park management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating the Balance: The Role of National Parks in Ecological Conservation and Socioeconomic Development)
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