Toward Prosperity: How National Parks Can Contribute to Sustainable Local Economic Development

National parks represent a unique intersection of ecological conservation and economic opportunities. Clarifying whether national parks drive regional economic growth can achieve sustainable development of the natural protected area system with national parks as the main body in the future. This article uses the difference in differences method to evaluate the driving effect of national park pilot projects on regional economic growth. The study found that the pilot projects in the national parks have sustained regional economic growth and promoted coordinated regional development, mainly through improved infrastructure and tourism development, while the effect on employment levels has not been significant. Based on this, it is recommended that local governments guide residents to participate in the construction of national parks, formulate sustainable development plans, and emphasize the development of urban infrastructure and the tourism industry to enhance local economic vitality.