Europe's national Parks are part of the continents complex system of protected areas. The reason for their creations, their purpose and history, their management, size and the speciesthat they protect may differ - Yet for the past 100 years they have been reservoirs of biodiversity; sources of water, cultural and economic assets; and places of recreation and spiritualreplenishment. They all face similarchallenges in their management today but remain the living repositories of Europe's natural and cultural heritage for future generations.This book was created by the EUroPArC federation to celebrate 100 Years of national Parks in Europe. it marks a centenary of European national Parks since the first nine wereestablished in 1909 in sweden.The book takes its readers on a journey through the last 100 year's of national park history. it looks at what national parks are and examines their past, present and future. detailedprofiles of the first parks founded in many European countries highlight the diversity, beauty and complexity of these green gems.