NATIONAL parks are the 'Jewels in the Crown' of the landscape and need stronger protection and a fairer share of resources, according to a manifesto launched by the Campaign for National Parks (CNP). The manifesto — 'National Parks in the 21st Century: A Manifesto for the next Westminster Government' — is the first of its kind produced by CNP and says that national parks, such as Dartmoor, must be protected for all, not just now but for future generations. The Dartmoor Preservation Association (DPA) is calling on all local candidates at the forthcoming general election to pledge support for the national parks manifesto. Philip Hutt, DPA director, said: 'England's national parks, including Dartmoor, are under threat from the unmitigated drive for economic growth. The Government must stop nibbling away at the specially protected safeguards for places like Dartmoor, otherwise their distinctive qualities and unique heritage will be lost. 'The DPA is not calling for Dartmoor to be fossilised. We want to see sustainable job creation in farming, quality food production, tourism, green businesses and recreation and wildlife. It is possible to do this while still protecting Dartmoor, but only if the national park authority retains effective responsibility for planning and development control.' Julian Woolford, the Campaign for National Parks' chief executive, said: 'National parks face an unprecedented level of threats due to the increasing demand for land for housing, transport and other infrastructure and the drive to boost economic growth. 'The Government has failed to take account of the extra protection for national parks in recent proposals to remove the need for planning permission when converting light industrial buildings to housing development. We want the next government to ensure that the extra protection that national parks currently have is recognised and effectively enforced in the planning and delivery of all publicly funded infrastructure, including that being delivered by the local enterprise partnerships. 'We also want to see enhanced protection against major development in national parks by strengthening existing planning guidance and including the presumption against major developments in national parks in legislation.' The manifesto calls for an increase in sustainable access to national parks, saying the Local Sustainable Transport Fund should be maintained until 2021, to support improved public transport links and better facilities for walkers and cyclists. It also calls for existing funding for sporting activities to be extended so that it can be used to support school visits and suggests that a commission should be set up to consider the need for new or extended national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty. The manifesto, along with detailed background briefing, can be found on the Campaign for National Parks' website http://www.cnp.org.uk/manifesto-national-parks">www.cnp.org.uk/manifesto-national-parks