James Stinson, Postdoctoral Fellow in Planetary Health & Education, co-published Coronavirus closures could lead to a radical revolution in conservation<\/i> in The Conversation Canada on 10 May 2020.<\/p>\n
The Conversation Canada is an independent source of news and views, from the academic and research community, delivered direct to the public.<\/p>\n
May 10, 2020
\nJames Stinson, Postdoctoral Fellow in Planetary Health & Education
\nElizabeth Lunstrum, Associate Professor, School of Public Service, Boise State University <\/p>\n
But critics have argued that Parks Canada\u2019s renewed focus on boosting attendance has come at the expense of ecological integrity. From 2005-15, spending on conservation dropped to $99 million from $161 million, just 13 per cent of Parks Canada\u2019s budget. At the same time, funding for \u201cvisitor experience\u201d increased to $204 million from $163 million.<\/p>\n
A recent evaluation of Canadian parks showed a significant increase in rule violations, with a strong correlation to the number of visitors at a site. Moreover, a 2016 State of the Parks Report found that 46 per cent of national park ecosystems in Canada were in just fair or poor condition. While this was a slight improvement from 2011, indicators in the monitoring program were cut by 28 per cent, raising questions about the scientific rigor of the reporting system.<\/p>\n
When COVID-19 lockdowns were instituted, commentators encouraged people to seek out the health benefits of parks and natural areas. As parks saw a surge in visitors, these spaces were transformed from sites of health promotion to public health threats, leading to widespread closures across North America.<\/p>\n