Protecting Our Planet: From National Parks to Marine Sanctuaries
Childhood Memories: Adventures in Yellowstone National Park
As children, many of us have fond memories of family vacations that we will always cherish. For the speaker in the video script, one particular childhood memory stands out above the rest: a family trip to Yellowstone National Park. The speaker’s parents rented an RV and packed it with the speaker and their siblings, embarking on a road trip from their home in Minneapolis to Yellowstone. Along the way, they saw all the sights, including geysers and the Badlands. However, it was this adventure that truly left an impression on the speaker.
It wasn’t until the speaker got older and learned about the National Park System that they realized just how lucky they were to have had this experience. Yellowstone was the first national park, established in 1872. People like John Muir, a poet and naturalist, helped to inspire the idea of conservation and the need to protect the best places in the country. But it wasn’t until Stephen Mather, a businessman from Chicago, wrote an angry letter to the Department of the Interior that something was done about it. Mather started a campaign that eventually led to the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916.
Looking back on their childhood trip to Yellowstone, the speaker recognizes the importance of setting aside places for nature and the need to continue protecting them for future generations. This memory serves as a reminder of the beauty of the natural world and the importance of preserving it for all to enjoy.
John Muir and the National Park System
John Muir was a poet and naturalist who helped inspire the idea of conservation and the need to protect the best places in the country. His impact on Theodore Roosevelt was significant, as the two went on a hiking trip in Yosemite during Roosevelt’s presidency. Roosevelt created dozens of national parks and hundreds of thousands of square acres of national wildlife refuges. However, even less than 10 years after all of these new places were created, the future of those places was very much in doubt.
It wasn’t until Stephen Mather, a businessman from Chicago, wrote an angry letter to the Department of the Interior that something was done about it. Mather started a campaign that eventually led to the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916. The National Park Service made it possible for people to enlist and carry the idea of conservation forward for future generations. Muir’s influence on the National Park System cannot be overstated, as he had an audience in very high places and helped to inspire a movement that protected the best places in the country.
Stephen Mather and the Campaign for Conservation
Stephen Mather was a successful businessman from Chicago who played a critical role in the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916. He understood the importance of infrastructure and partnered with highway associations around the country to build big, beautiful highways out to the national parks. Mather also focused on visionary philanthropy and would step in to fund any parks or highway associations that needed funding.
Mather knew that engagement was critical to the success of the National Park System. In one of the first meetings around this new system, he said, “If you’re a writer, I want you to write about this. If you’re a business owner, I want you to tell your clubs and your organizations. If you work for the government, I want you to pass regulation.” Everybody had a role to play in protecting these places for future generations.
We can learn from Mather’s campaign for conservation and apply it to the ocean. The National Marine Sanctuary has created wonderful VR360 videos where you can actually go and see what these places look like. Our team is also building new tools like the Trident underwater drone, which is a diving submarine that can go down to 100 meters and see these environments that most people have never had access to. New tools like these can help engage people with the oceans and protect these places for future generations.
Marine protected areas: Dr. Sylvia Earle’s vision
Dr. Sylvia Earle has been a tireless advocate for creating marine protected areas around the world. The first marine sanctuary was created in 1972 after the oil spill in Santa Barbara. The concept gained more interest and attention, leading to the creation of more marine protected areas. The ocean faces many challenges today, such as plastic pollution, coral bleaching, and overfishing, but the idea of setting aside places for nature is working. Science tells us that if we set these places aside, nature will come back, and we can keep the oceans healthy.
Both George W. Bush and Obama were fantastic ocean presidents, creating marine protected areas all around the country. But now, the administration is proposing to roll back a lot of the progress we’ve made in the past 20 years. However, this is not a conservative or liberal idea, nor is it even an American idea; it is just a good idea. We need to start a campaign to get people engaged with this idea, just as Stephen Mather did 100 years ago for national parks.
Dr. Sylvia Earle’s vision is not just about protecting marine life; it is also about creating a community of citizen scientists for the ocean. People around the world are already building underwater robots, collecting data and raising awareness for different marine issues. ReefCheck, for example, is a program where scuba divers are going down and swimming transects, counting fish, and collecting biodiversity data. They’re getting the information we need to protect these places. There is room for everybody to participate in the protection of these areas, and we need to engage more people to become visionary philanthropists themselves.
The Importance of Setting Aside Places for Nature
Throughout history, humans have impacted the environment in numerous ways. From habitat destruction to pollution, our actions have had significant consequences on the natural world. However, some individuals have recognized the importance of protecting nature and have worked towards preserving it for future generations.
Setting aside places for nature is crucial because it allows ecosystems to thrive without human interference. These protected areas serve as a sanctuary for endangered species, allowing them to recover and grow in population. In addition, they help to preserve biodiversity and maintain a healthy balance in ecosystems.
Protected areas also provide numerous benefits to humans. They offer recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, which contribute to our physical and mental well-being. These areas also provide valuable resources such as clean air and water, as well as ecosystem services such as pollination and pest control.
Moreover, protected areas can serve as living laboratories for scientific research, enabling us to learn more about the natural world and develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
It is important to remember that setting aside places for nature is not just about preserving beautiful landscapes or providing recreational opportunities. It is about recognizing the intrinsic value of nature and protecting it for its own sake. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the natural world.
Engaging the public in protecting our oceans
The ocean covers 71% of the Earth’s surface, and protecting it is crucial for our planet’s health. Dr. Sylvia Earle emphasizes the importance of engaging the public in this mission. She explains that although marine protected areas are vital for preserving marine life, it’s not enough. We need to educate the public on the significance of the ocean and how we can all play a part in its conservation.
One way to do this is by providing opportunities for people to explore the ocean themselves. Dr. Earle recalls her experience with the “underwater habitat” Tektite, which allowed scientists to live underwater for weeks at a time. This project allowed the public to see what life was like underwater and generated excitement and interest in marine conservation.
Another way to engage the public is through storytelling. Dr. Earle explains that by sharing stories and experiences about the ocean, we can create a deeper understanding and appreciation for it. She believes that everyone has a story to tell about the ocean, and by sharing these stories, we can connect with people on a personal level and inspire them to take action.
Lastly, Dr. Earle emphasizes the importance of taking action and not just talking about the problem. She suggests making simple changes in our daily lives, such as reducing single-use plastic and being mindful of our water usage. She believes that by taking small steps and working together, we can make a big difference in protecting our oceans.
New tools for exploration and citizen science
Exploration and scientific research have played crucial roles in discovering new species and understanding ecosystems. Technology advancements have made it possible for researchers to explore remote and challenging locations with more ease than ever before. Dr. Sylvia Earle emphasized the importance of technological advancements for research and exploration. Citizen science programs have also played a significant role in gathering data and information about marine ecosystems.
One example of such a program is the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Eye on the Reef, which is a citizen science program that encourages tourists and locals to report their reef observations. The program provides valuable information on the health and condition of the Great Barrier Reef. Another example is the “Shark Count” initiative in South Africa, which invites recreational divers to help collect data on shark populations along the country’s coast.
Technology has also opened up new opportunities for exploration, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which are used to explore the deep sea. ROVs are equipped with cameras and sensors, and they can collect data and samples without putting researchers in danger. In addition, underwater drones and satellite imagery are used to map and monitor marine ecosystems, helping researchers to better understand and protect them.
These technological advancements and citizen science programs have helped to fill gaps in our knowledge about the oceans and promote conservation efforts. By engaging the public in scientific research and exploration, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for marine ecosystems and the need to protect them.
Building a future for our grandkids’ grandkids
The final message of the video is a call to action for all of us to take responsibility for the future of our planet and the well-being of future generations. We are reminded that the actions we take today will have a profound impact on the world that our children and grandchildren will inherit.
One key aspect of building a sustainable future is to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving biodiversity. We need to protect and restore habitats, as well as work towards reducing our carbon footprint and lessening the effects of climate change.
Another important aspect is to actively engage with and educate the public on the importance of conservation efforts. This can be done through community outreach programs, citizen science initiatives, and partnerships with schools and universities.
Finally, we are encouraged to support and collaborate with organizations and individuals who are working towards a more sustainable future. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can make a significant impact and build a better world for generations to come.
As individuals, we may feel small in the face of such large challenges, but it is important to remember that every action we take can make a difference. We can all take steps to reduce our environmental impact, educate ourselves and others, and support conservation efforts in our communities and beyond. By working together, we can create a world that we can be proud to pass on to our grandkids’ grandkids.
Conclusion
From the adventures in Yellowstone National Park to the campaigns for marine conservation, the history of protecting natural areas has been a long and ongoing journey. The National Park System, marine protected areas, and citizen science are just some of the tools that we have used to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity and natural resources.
We have seen how the passion of individuals such as John Muir and Dr. Sylvia Earle has driven the conservation movement and inspired others to join the cause. Their efforts have led to the creation of new protected areas and the development of new technologies to study and explore our natural world.
It is clear that the protection of our planet’s natural areas is not just about preserving its beauty and wonder but also about ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. As we face new environmental challenges, it is essential that we continue to engage the public, develop new tools and technologies, and take bold steps to protect our planet’s natural resources.
As individuals, we all have a role to play in protecting the environment. We can volunteer at local conservation organizations, reduce our carbon footprint, and support policies that promote sustainability. It is through collective efforts that we can build a better future for our grandkids’ grandkids.
The journey towards protecting our planet’s natural areas is ongoing, and we must remain committed to it. Let us all take inspiration from the history of conservation and work towards a future where we can enjoy the beauty of our planet while ensuring its long-term sustainability.
