For several centuries, mankind has designated areas restricting access to and use of flora, fauna and other resources to maintain the original qualities of these sites. The reasons have been many, including economic (forest reserves), spiritual (religious sites), and recreational (hunting and parks, etc.).

  In the late nineteenth century the creation of areas for nature conservation, known as national parks, was begun. The main criteria used for selection of these areas were aesthetic and recreational. Coniferous forests and high mountains dominated the selection.

However, ideas about nature conservation were very particular. In several countries, residents were relocated from these sites to promote the recovery of the environments. Predators were also removed and exotic fish were introduced to promote recreational fishing. In Yosemite National Park, now one of the jewels of the National Park System of the United States, the famous spectacle of launching bonfires of burning coal over the waterfall was presented to entertain the public who could admire the "cascade of fire."

Under the leadership of some countries, the creation of protected areas spread throughout the world. However, in countries with little culture of nature and small budgets, the effectiveness of this conservation tool has not been the same.

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