Why National Parks Matter
Secretary of State addresses Association of National Park Authorities (ANPA) Conference on ‘Why National Parks Matter’
The Rt. Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, praised the work of National Park Authorities in a recent speech delivered to the ANPA Conference on the subject of ‘Why National Parks Matter’.
Speaking on 17th September 2008 at Windermere in the Lake District, Mr Benn reflected on the achievements of National Parks in the light of the forthcoming 60th anniversary of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, and explained why he believes that National Parks today are “more important than ever”.
Mr Benn spoke of the health and educational benefits of access to National Parks for people, especially children, living in urban areas; as well as the economic benefits that National Park status can bring to local communities. The Secretary of State described National Parks as “Britain’s green lungs”, and welcomed their role in conserving wildlife and habitats, reducing flood risk, and acting as carbon sinks. ENPAA has welcomed the speech and ministerial support for the work of National Park Authorities.
Read Hilary Benn's full ANPA Conference speech
Mr Benn also spoke to the Labour Party Conference in Manchester on 24th September 2008. In his speech he highlighted the 60th anniversary of the 1949 Act, the forthcoming decision on the designation of the South Downs, and the key role that National Parks play in tackling climate change.
