​

Tropical Urban Park Public Doctrine & Recognition Criteria

A Tropical Urban Park (TUP) is a designated natural area within a tropical village, town, or city where authentic biodiversity, daily community life, and active business activity coexist. The doctrine below defines the essential characteristics of the category and establishes the criteria for recognition.

​

Private Ownership Requirement

To be recognized as a Tropical Urban Park, the property must be privately owned. Government‑owned, publicly administered, or municipally controlled lands are not eligible for TUP designation at this time. These entities may become eligible in the future under a separate TUP+GOV designation.

​

Geographic Boundary Requirement

A Tropical Urban Park must be located entirely within the tropical zone defined by the Tropic of Cancer, the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Equator. Properties outside these latitudinal boundaries cannot qualify as TUPs.

​

Ecological Foundations

Authentic Tropical Biodiversity

A recognized TUP must protect native tropical species and functioning ecological systems, including canopy, soil, water, and wildlife integrity.

Living Ecosystem First

A TUP is defined by ecological health, not by amenities or hospitality features.
Nature is the primary identity of the park.

​

Urban Integration

Walkable Access

A TUP must be accessible on foot from the surrounding town or city.
Visitors should be able to stay anywhere in town and still experience the park.

Municipal Location Requirement

A TUP must be located within official municipal boundaries. Rural, agricultural, or unincorporated properties are not eligible. This ensures the defining characteristic of the category: the coexistence of biodiversity with daily community life.

​

Spatial Requirements

The 70/30 Ecological Ratio

To preserve ecological integrity:

•     No more than 30% of the property may contain construction or development
•     At least 70% must remain living ecosystem

This ratio prevents commercial drift and protects the emotional rhythm of the category.

Minimum Land Area

A TUP must meet one of the following thresholds:

•     Standard TUP: Minimum 1 hectare (10,000 m²)
•     Small TUP: Minimum 0.5 hectares (5,000 m²)
•     Micro TUP: Minimum 0.25 hectares (2,500 m²)

These sizes ensure meaningful habitat and wildlife movement.

​

Stewardship Requirements

Intentional Stewardship

A TUP must be actively cared for by stewards who prioritize ecological health, community integration, and long‑stay, low‑impact human presence.

Steward‑Led Orientation

If accommodations or other business activities are present, guests must receive direct, human orientation from the stewards, including:

•     ecological context
•     wildlife awareness
•     safety guidance
•     local navigation
•     cultural orientation

This relational exchange is essential to the identity of the category.

​

Accommodation Neutrality

A TUP may include lodging, but accommodation does not define the category.
Recognition is based on ecological integrity, walkability, stewardship, and business activity — not on the presence or absence of accommodations.

​

Business Activity Requirement

A recognized TUP must include at least one ongoing business activity operating within the park. This may include food service, guided experiences, rentals, education programs, conservation services, hospitality, or other recurring economic or service‑based activities.

Business activity is essential because it:

•     supports stewardship
•     integrates the park into daily community life
•     prevents isolation from the surrounding town
•     reinforces the coexistence doctrine

A TUP without business activity cannot be recognized. 

​

Economic Integration

A TUP must strengthen the surrounding community.
Any property that isolates visitors or redirects economic activity away from town cannot qualify.

​

Distinction From Private Home Stays

Private Home Stays, even those with gardens or wildlife presence, do not qualify unless they meet all ecological and doctrinal requirements. A TUP offers intentional, stewarded ecological immersion, not incidental backyard nature.

​

Contact

​

For inquiries related to:

​

• research

• long‑stay residencies

• community partnerships

• recognition of new Tropical Urban Parks

• press and publications

 

Please reach out through the contact information provided at OsaNova.com.

 

​
 

​