Temporal and spatial characteristics of global national parks based on database construction

Distinguished from nature reserves and typical tourist attractions, national parks play a pivotal role in the long-term strategic framework for natural conservation systems, contributing to regional green development and equitable futures. It is necessary to establish a top-down layout and bottom-up extensive participation mechanism during the rapid construction of national park systems. This paper systematically compiles and establishes a global database of national parks, analyzes the temporal characteristics, and explores the relationships with factors such as ecological protection, urbanization, and public welfare. The findings reveal that as of June 2024, there are 3, 129 national parks worldwide, spanning 173 countries and regions. It is observed that the factors influencing the distribution of national parks vary across different continents. The developmental trajectory of national parks increasingly aligns with the "ecology-population-city" integration. National parks are playing an increasingly significant role in enhancing livable city services and public welfare. Simultaneously, measures such as reducing human intervention and implementing flexible ecological management contribute towards the overarching goals of sustainable development encompassing ecology, resources, and population. These insights reflect a fundamental shift in the governance and management strategies of global national parks, underlining strategic ambitions aimed at an uncertain yet sustainable future.