Navigating the Balance

<p>The diverse climatic locational and historical contexts of national parks necessitate a nuanced understanding of their conservation challenges and priorities. Since the 1980s the trade-offs between ecological preservation and regional economic development have sparked extensive debate underlining the complex interplay between environmental conservation and human well-being. This Special Issue seeks to highlight the importance of identifying key factors in the diverse natural environments of national parks and understanding the socioeconomic impacts of conservation policies on local communities. National parks have historically faced challenges in balancing ecological protection with the socioeconomic needs of adjacent communities often leading to conflicts that affect both the parks' conservation goals and the quality of life for local residents.</p><p>The goal of this Special Issue is to explore the intricate balance between preserving natural environments and fostering socioeconomic welfare within and around national parks.</p>