Why create national parks? Although the process of designating new parkland is lengthy and complex, national parks offer ecological, cultural, and economic benefits, while also guaranteeing long-term conservation of fragile ecosystems. Founded by Kristine McDivitt Tompkins and her late husband, Douglas, Tompkins Conservation and its partners have protected approximately 13 million acres of parkland in Chile and Argentina. Mrs. Tompkins answers the question of why national parks are a worthwhile investment by drawing on her years as the CEO of Patagonia, Inc., in addition to her more than two decades leading initiatives to rewild and restore biodiversity in South America.

Kristine McDivitt Tompkins: Co-founder, Tompkins Conservation; Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy recipient

#WhyParks #NationalParks

October 17, 2018