National Parks remain one important way a country can tout its natural beauty. Chile just ensured it will have enough beauty to go around for eons. The country recently converted a tremendous swath of land into national parks, preserving the area and its beauty for generations.
As Futurism reports, a remarkable 11 million acres are now nationally recognized and protected. The move comes after the massive Parque Pumalín region was gifted to the Chilean government thanks to a donation from a now deceased conservationist and philanthropist. AFP reports Douglas Tompkins’ estate gave the country this tract of land a year after the billionaire’s death. The gift has motivated Chile to invest in the surrounding area, conserving and reaping the rewards in the form of resplendent beauty and droves of tourists.
Futurism explains the decision may lead to huge economic success for those in the area: «This move toward conservation is smart for ecological reasons, and represents a massive safeguard against habitat destruction. It’s also a clever economic move for Chile: the parklands are among the nation’s biggest drivers of tourism, and most of the trails, infrastructure, cabins, and other related services are already in place».
The Guardian explains this part of Patagonia now offers a wonderful opportunity for visitors—one that you probably couldn’t possibly enjoy in one lifetime. It’s just too massive. The publication explains: «The protected areas are 5,000 times the size of Manhattan’s Central Park and include volcanoes, virgin forests and miles of wild coastline». Or, to put it another way: it’s three times bigger than Yellowstone and Yosemite combined. Conservationist Hernán Mladinic explained the value of national parks, via The Guardian: «National parks are the gold standard of conservation. For every dollar you invest in national parks, you get 10 back; it’s more profitable than copper».
It will still be a couple years until the park and surrounding areas are fully incorporated as national parks. When completed, nature’s grandeur will be complemented by well-placed signs and lookout points that help tourists savour the moment. Futurism explains that roads will even twist and wind so as not to ruin the local topography. This area has been a must-see location for anyone who wants enjoy the simple yet profound; Converting it into a giant national park means it will remain so, even for those not yet old enough to know what they have.