Naturpark

Naturpark, or nature park, is a protected-area designation used in German-speaking countries to preserve representative landscapes and ecosystems while allowing sustainable use by people. Nature parks are typically established by federal or regional authorities and governed by a management plan developed in consultation with local communities, landowners, and conservation groups. Core conservation objectives include safeguarding habitats and species, maintaining ecological connectivity, preserving cultural landscapes shaped by traditional land use, and fostering sustainable regional development through nature-based recreation and environmental education.

Characteristically, Naturparks balance conservation with use. They usually cover large landscapes that include agricultural areas, forests, rivers, and settlements. Zoning within a park often includes core zones with stricter protection and buffer zones with more flexible use, along with guidelines for forestry, farming, construction, and tourism. Public access, hiking, cycling, guided tours, and visitor centers are common features, while industrial activities are restricted or regulated.

In governance terms, Naturparks are not equivalent to national parks or nature reserves; rather, they emphasize the integration of conservation with the economic and cultural life of rural areas. They may collaborate with municipalities, landowners, NGOs, and research institutions and rely on monitoring and adaptive management.

Across German-speaking regions, Naturparks exist in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, reflecting a shared approach to conserving landscapes such as river valleys, alpine foothills, and mixed forests, while supporting sustainable tourism and local livelihoods.