The multiple mandates of national park systems

National parks in both rich and poor nations face internal and external challenges to which they must respond. These range from budget restrictions to crowd control, from pressure by environmentalists to increased demand for recreation, and from mining rights advocates to souvenir vendors. Some want to expand the parks, others wish to privatize them. We examine how Canada and the USA tackled the expansion of national park systems, and take a brief look at how other countries are now proceeding. All must meet the challenge of multiple mandates, as well as that of intergenerational needs in a complex, bureaucratic world. Managing in a proactive way involves attracting and educating various stakeholders, building trust and relationships, and offering diverse programs. Just as important, park systems must create an identity and practice soft power diplomacy.