National Parks and Wildlife Service is a part of the Department for Environment and Water and the Government of South Australia. NPWS acts in accordance with the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.
NPWS recognises the value and importance of working in partnership with Traditional Owners to manage parks and reserves in a culturally sensitive and ecologically appropriate way. A large portion of the reserve system is managed through co-management – a partnership between the State Government and Traditional Owners that combines traditional knowledge with contemporary park management.
South Australia’s parks, including national, conservation and recreation parks and marine parks, conserve irreplaceable plants and animals, distinctive landscapes and unique culture. They range from small pockets of precious native vegetation in urbanised or agricultural landscapes to vast areas in the north of the state. They conserve a diverse range of habitats and landscapes, including heathlands, woodlands, deserts, beaches, coasts, marine ecosystems, caves and places that reflect our distinctive culture, such as Aboriginal sites, mines and ruins.
The appeal of South Australia’s parks lies in their unspoilt natural values, rich cultural heritage and distinctive landscapes. Our special places and natural values lie at the heart of sustainable nature-based tourism and recreation. They attract millions of visitors each year, with many visitors coming from interstate or overseas. They are central to the lives of South Australians and provide significant social, economic and health benefits to rural and urban communities.
We work in partnership with other government and non-government organisations and community groups, catchment management authorities, private land owners, friends groups, volunteers, licensed tour operators, lessees, research institutes and the broader community. We work to maintain the fundamental appeal of parks through good planning, careful management and responsible use.
Our challenge is to ensure that parks continue to conserve special places and natural values, while also enabling people to enjoy the benefits they bring.