In Austria, national parks constitute a major contribution to comprehensive nature conservation, but they should also serve the recreation and education of their visitors. With the support and promotion of national parks, Austria also sets a sign for the preservation of biodiversity in Europe. The further development of existing and establishment of new national parks demands uniform national objectives, such as defined in the concept "National Park 2000".

The principles for the establishment and operation of national parks defined by the Federal Ministry of the Environment include: step-by-step fulfilment of the IUCN requirements for a national park within the scope of a binding schedule; national parks must contain ecosystems that are representative of Austria and Central Europe; the population of a national park region must be integrated in the planning of a national park; the state supports the provinces within the scope of contractually regulated financing for the national parks; the establishment and operation of national parks is the responsibility of the provinces, in collaboration with the state.

A management plan for each national park ensures the national park management objectives, and its main issues are zoning, conservation of ecosystems, steering of visitors, public relations work, and specific research.