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Should we be Allowed to Own Private Islands?
By Islomaniac | September 22, 2007
This is a question that many people have asked themselves and it is something that is hotly debated among proponents and opponents of private island ownership. Unlike regular mainland property, islands are special in that they are often regarded as national treasures. This may be due to an advantageous location, the presence of rare wildlife or sea life, or the prospect for developing them for public use such as beaches and parks.
That being said, is the fact that everyone should be able to enjoy them enough to make all islands public property? After all how many island parks do we need? Sure some islands should be kept as environmental preserves especially when they contain rare and unique forms of life. However, private ownership can also preserve islands. Many island owners choose to leave their islands in a natural state and very few heavily develop their islands. In addition, many environmental preservation groups are purchasing islands in order to preserve them. Without the ability to purchase islands these islands would not be protected in the same way public islands are. For example, privately bought islands can impose restrictions on visitors and are often better cared for than public islands.
I will confess as an island owner I am biased to believe that islands should be available for purchase. Although some islands need to be protected, islands are not so rare a resource that they shouldn’t be purchased.
I would love to hear people’s thoughts on this controversial topic. This is a global forum so I am sure the views of individuals in the
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Topics: Island Advice, Environmental, Islands for Sale |
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