Beyond Borders: The Shady Past and Uncertain Future of (Trans) National Parks

National parks, despite their widespread appeal and proliferation, have historically failed to meet ecological and social conservation goals. A critical analysis of three scholarly works reveals that the national park ideal is malleable and fluid, shaped by diverse visions and adaptable to local contexts, rather than a unified concept. While some conservation models like UNESCO World Heritage Sites impose strict criteria, national parks lack such governance, leading to conflicts among competing interests. The study highlights how neoliberal conservation practices, exemplified by transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs) in the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, often prioritize economic and political agendas over ecological restoration or local community benefits, resulting in dispossession and environmental degradation. To address these challenges, the authors advocate for redefining the national park idea, integrating science into management policies, adopting transnational perspectives, and exploring indigenous epistemologies to foster more sustainable and just conservation practices.

Clapperton, J. (2013). Beyond Borders: The Shady Past and Uncertain Future of (Trans) National Parks. Conservation Biology, 27(6), 1491–1493. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12190