Welcome to the U.S. National Park Service's
Office of International Affairs

Our newly expanded website provides information on the mission and work of the National Park Service's Office of International Affairs and is a source of information for the public and National Park Service (NPS) staff who are interested in our international activities.

About Us provides information on the Mission, History and Staff of the Office of International Affairs. In the What's New section, you can learn about new developments and projects involving international park matters. Around The World describes National Park Service activities in various parts of the world. National Park Service projects are outlined in Program Topics. The Links page lists a variety of web addresses for international park and conservation organizations and other related sites. The Contact Us page provides contact information for the Office of International Affairs.

The National Park concept has been described as "America's best idea." Many countries around the world look to the United States as a leader in park and protected area management. At the same time, the National Park Service often learns about innovative practices from other countries' park agencies. In addition, international cooperation is required to preserve numerous species of migratory wildlife that spend only a part of their lives within the boundaries of U.S. national parks, and likewise to help protect park resources from threats that may originate from outside park (and U.S.) borders -- air and water pollution and invasive species, for example. For these reasons, the National Park Service has an Office of International Affairs that for over 40 years has worked to facilitate cooperation between the U.S. National Park Service and counterpart agencies around the globe.

To learn more about the National Park Service's legal authority to conduct programs for technical exchange and cooperation with other countries, click here.

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