Q. Is NPA responsible for the management of National Parks?

No, National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) is a not-for-profit conservation organisation and bushwalking club. The government department that manages national parks is the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Q. So why’s your name so similar then?

We had it first! NPA was formed to advocate for the creation of National Parks and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to manage them. NPA has been established since 1957, while NPWS was formed in 1967.

Q. Does NPA do on-ground work or is it all advocacy?

We’re proud of the fact that we undertake both an advocacy role as well as on-ground works. NPA runs citizen science programs in Sydney and beyond, while we also take a leadership role in the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative that seeks to connect habitat through engaging private land owners. However we believe that, in order to drive positive change, we need to engage with decision makers and hold them to account when needed.

Q. How do we inform our advocacy?

Evidence-based advocacy is a cornerstone for NPA. It is very important that our campaigns are founded in scientific evidence so that we can continue to be a credible voice for environmental protection. NPA has professional staff and knowledgeable volunteers who make sure we know what we’re talking about.

Q. What’s the main aim of NPA?

Our motto is ‘Protecting nature through community action’. We believe that connecting people with nature is the best way to generate a passion for the environment. That’s why our bushwalking and citizen science programs are so important to us. NPA has always actively sought the establishment of National Parks (see our Great Koala National Park campaign for example) but also campaigns on other environmental issues – such as land clearing and native forest logging.

Q. So what is citizen science?

Citizen science is, in essence, getting the public involved in the collection of data to answer research questions, engage the community and foster scientific literacy. Citizen science has grown as a field as advances in technology have made it easy for citizens to collect and submit data.

Q. How can I get involved in citizen science with NPA?

View our Citizen Science Programs, subscribe to Nature News or keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates and events on our citizen science programs.

Q. Where is NPA based?

Our head office is in Woolloomooloo, Sydney, but we have multiple branches throughout NSW. No matter where you live, there will likely be other NPA members nearby! Find your nearest branch.

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