Endangered public reserves

Threatened urban parklands
Unprotected open space

Nature

Parklands are under constant threat from developers eager to transform them into upmarket golf courses, theme parks and other forms of leisure facility. Efforts are also made to transform such land into semi-exclusive residential areas.

Background

The vulnerability of public reserves first gained international attention in the mid-20th century, as rapid industrialization and population growth led to encroachment and habitat loss. Landmark studies in the 1970s highlighted alarming declines in biodiversity within protected areas, prompting global conservation initiatives. Over subsequent decades, mounting evidence of illegal exploitation, climate change impacts, and inadequate management underscored the persistent threats facing reserves, solidifying their endangerment as a critical concern in environmental policy and scientific research.

Incidence

Endangered public reserves face mounting threats worldwide, with hundreds of protected areas experiencing encroachment, illegal resource extraction, and habitat degradation. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over one-third of the world’s protected areas are under intense human pressure, jeopardizing biodiversity and ecosystem services. This problem spans continents, affecting reserves in both developed and developing nations, and undermines global conservation efforts.
In 2023, Brazil’s Serra da Capivara National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered extensive illegal logging and land clearing. These activities destroyed significant tracts of protected forest, threatening endemic species and archaeological sites within the reserve.

Claim

Endangered public reserves represent a critical crisis that demands urgent attention. These irreplaceable sanctuaries are being destroyed by reckless development, pollution, and neglect, threatening countless species and the planet’s ecological balance. Losing them means losing biodiversity, clean air, and natural heritage for future generations. Ignoring this problem is irresponsible and short-sighted—protecting public reserves must be a top priority for governments and citizens alike if we care about our environment and survival.