NATIONAL PARKS: PUBLIC GOOD DYNAMICS

National parks, vast landscapes protected for their natural beauty and ecological
significance, are a prime example of a government-provided service that qualifies
as a public good. However, unlike a pure public good, national parks exhibit some
characteristics of an impure good.

Public Good Characteristics:

 Non-excludable: Once a park is established, it's nearly impossible to exclude

citizens from enjoying its scenery, hiking trails, or fresh air. This fosters a sense of
shared ownership and societal benefit.
 Non-rivalrous: One person's enjoyment of a national park doesn't diminish
another's. In fact, well-managed parks can even accommodate increased visitors
through designated areas or staggered entry times.

These characteristics highlight the public good nature of national parks. They
provide environmental, recreational, and educational benefits to all citizens,
regardless of their income or background.

Impure Public Good Aspects:

 Congestion: While enjoyment may not be directly rivalrous, overcrowding can

negatively impact the park's ecosystem and visitor experience. Entrance fees or
limitations on visitor numbers can be used to manage this.
 Partial Excludability: Though difficult, some areas within a park might require
permits or fees for specific activities, introducing a limited element of excludability.

Government Provision:

Despite these nuances, national parks remain a public good because the market
would likely fail to maintain them effectively. Private ownership might prioritize
short-term profits over long-term conservation. Additionally, the non-excludable
nature makes it hard to collect fees sufficient to cover park upkeep.

Therefore, government intervention ensures the preservation of these natural

treasures for current and future generations, promoting environmental health and
fostering a connection with nature for all citizens.

Link, A. N. (2022). The public good nature of national parks. In Edward Elgar Publishing

eBooks (pp. 49–52). https://doi.org/10.4337/9781803920696.00013