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Home - Region - Protected areas in the world


The definition of a protected area is "a clearly defined geographical area, recognized, dedicated and managed through legal or other similarly effective for achieving conservation of nature with its associated ecosystem services and cultural values" (WCPA).

The World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) of the International Union for the Conservation of Resources (IUCN) has identified six categories of protected areas:

  • Category I
  • Category II
  • Category III
  • Category IV
  • Category V
  • Category VI
Ia. Strict nature reserve
Objective Protection of the biodiversity & geological features
Restrictions Visits, use & impacts controlled & limited
Benefits Areas of reference for scientific research & monitoring
Size Often small
Ib. Wild area
Objective To have large areas with little alteration in which protection & management preserves its natural condition
Restrictions Without permanent or substantial human habitation
Benefits Maintain natural characteristics & influences
Size Generally large

National park
Objective Protection of large-scale ecological processes, species and ecosystems characteristic of the area
Restrictions Natural or semi-natural areas of considerable size
Benefits

Provide the basis for environmental and cultural opportunities for visitors to provide spiritual, scientific, educational and recreational opportunities
Size Generally large

Monument or natural feature
Objective Protection of natural features such as landforms, caves or unique forests
Restrictions  
Benefits Small areas with a high value for visitors
Size Generally small

Area of management of habitat/species
 
Objective Protection of particular habitats or species
Restrictions In general require regular intervention to maintain the requirements of the species or the habitats
Benefits Maintain species and/or particular habitat
Size Often small

Protected landscape,
terrestrial or marine
Objective Maintain characteristics produced by the interaction between humans and nature which are of ecological, biological, cultural and scenic value.
Restrictions  
Benefits Maintain the area and its associated values such as nature conservation, among others.
Size Generally large

Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources
Objective Protection of ecosystems and habitats associated with cultural values and traditional management systems of natural resources
Restrictions Low levels of sustainable use of natural resources
Benefits Make the use of resources compatible with nature conservation
Size Generally large

 
 
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