National Parks Day highlights global conservation efforts

August 24 marks National Parks Day, a date used to highlight the importance of protected natural areas in Costa Rica and Southeast Asia.

In Costa Rica, the day recognizes the role of national parks in preserving ecosystems, water sources, and biodiversity. Established in the mid-1980s following decrees by President Luis Alberto Monge, the celebration is managed by the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). These parks are part of a broader network of protected zones, including biological reserves and wetlands, designed to support research, education, and responsible tourism.

In Southeast Asia, the International Day of National Parks emphasizes the region's role in global biodiversity. The ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme has expanded to include 69 sites, covering approximately 11.87 million hectares of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Recent additions to this network include Malaysia’s Bako and Lambir Hills national parks, as well as Viet Nam’s Pu Mat and Xuan Thuy national parks. These sites serve as critical habitats for species such as the Sumatran orangutan and tiger, while providing climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods for local populations.