International Nature Preserve: Difference between revisions

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The idea of an international nature preserve was discussed as early as the years immediately following the [[First Great War]], but no international body existed that could govern such a location and siting the preserve was a contentious issue. Most advocates argued the preserve had to be completely free of sovereign influence, and few nations which otherwise supported the project were willing to surrender territory for such a purpose. Land in northern [[Crona]] - particularly within sparsely populated portions of [[Venua'tino]] - became a viable option during [[The Deluge]], when the League of Nations invested [[Urcea]] with supervisory authority over Venua'tino. The League of Nations subsequently passed a Preserve Act authorizing the creation of a preserve in 2016. A land survey conducted in 2017 found significant non-populated and non-grazing areas which were suitable for use, and the Cronan preserve was formally designated in 2018.

Aurora City is the primary population center of the preserve and the only location where "civilian" economic activity is allowed. The permanent population of the City is about 2,000 and its primary economic sectors are government, tourism and transportation. The only large airport and seaport within the preserve are located in Aurora City. It has a small downtown area with shops, restaurants, and one [[Catholic Church]], Our Lady of the Snows, which is part of the Archdiocese of [[New Yustona|Port St. Charles]]. Hotels are the most prominent structures in Aurora City, though the large Protected Lands and Sea Lanes Authority complex is the largest building in town, and it serves as the de facto governmental headquarters for the preserve. The city's location, an old Venua'tino fishing village, was chosen due to its natural sheltered harbor as well as stunning mountain views.

The Preserve's existence has been criticized by some, including the government of [[Carna]], as a form of {{wp|imperialism}} due to its appropriation of lands previously belonging to the [[Venua'tino]]. The scientific mission carried out at the Preserve has also been criticized, with the climate adaption and geodesic programs in particular viewed as "irresponsible" by some within the scientific community. In addition, the cost of maintaining a nuclear power facility and the climate controls for large areas has been condemned by political parties in several countries. The project overall has been criticized in some corners as a "vanity project", with accusations that its otherwise laudable goal has been used as political cover for the activities of [[The Deluge]].