Protected area

Protected areas are locations which receive protection because of their environmental, cultural or similar value. A large number of kinds of protected area exist which vary by level of protection and by the enabling laws of each country or rules of international organization.

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A protected area as defined by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) is An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means.

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The IUCN specifies six categories of protected areas:

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• I. Strict Nature Reserve/Wilderness Area: protected area managed mainly for science of wilderness protection
• II. National Park: protected area managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation
• III. Natural Monument: protected area managed mainly for conservation of specific natural features
• IV. Habitat/Species Management Area: protected area managed mainly for conservation through management intervention
• V. Protected Landscape/Seascape: protected area managed mainly for landscape/seascape protection and recreation.
• VI. Managed Resource Protected Area: protected area managed mainly for the sustainable use of natural ecosystems.
 
Protected area: Protected areas by country ►