"A protected area or conservation area is a location which receives protection because of its recognized natural, ecological or cultural values."
Designated regions of land or water that are managed for the conservation of natural ecosystems and wildlife.
Biodiversity: The variety of species and ecosystems found in a given area. Understanding biodiversity is critical to effectively manage and conserve protected areas.
Conservation biology: The study of the conservation of biodiversity and the management of threats to biodiversity. This includes issues such as population genetics, landscape ecology, and ecosystem management.
Ecosystem services: The benefits that people derive from ecosystems. This includes everything from clean air and water to recreation and cultural significance.
Habitat fragmentation: The process by which large, continuous habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches. This can lead to reduced biodiversity and increased susceptibility to threats such as invasive species and climate change.
Wildlife corridors: Strips of habitat that connect larger habitats and allow animals to move freely between them. They are a critical part of maintaining biodiversity and promoting ecosystem resilience.
Invasive species: Non-native species that can cause harm to native ecosystems. Invasive species can compete with native species for resources, modify habitats or otherwise negatively impact the ecosystem.
Endangered species: Species that are at risk of extinction. Protected areas often serve as the last refuge for endangered species and are critical to their survival.
Ecotourism: The practice of visiting natural areas while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. Ecotourism can provide economic benefits to local communities and promote conservation efforts.
Traditional ecological knowledge: The knowledge and practices of indigenous communities related to the management of natural resources. This can play an important role in conservation efforts, as these communities have been sustainably managing their local ecosystems for centuries.
Climate change: The long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other weather patterns that are impacting the earth's ecosystems. Climate change is one of the most critical threats to biodiversity and requires urgent conservation efforts.
Protected area management: The policies, practices, and strategies used to manage protected areas. This includes everything from zoning and land use regulations to developing management plans and monitoring biodiversity.
Marine protected areas: Protected areas that focus on conserving marine ecosystems and the biodiversity they support. Marine protected areas can include everything from coral reefs to seagrass meadows to open ocean habitats.
National Parks: These are areas protected by the government for their ecological, recreational, and educational value.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: These are areas where wildlife is protected from hunting, trapping, and other activities that harm them.
Biosphere Reserves: These are areas where conservation of biodiversity is combined with sustainable development.
Nature Reserves: These are areas that are set aside to conserve ecosystems, species, and habitats.
Marine Protected Areas: These are areas in the ocean that are protected from fishing, mining, and other activities that harm marine life.
Game Reserves: These are areas that are set aside for the hunting of game animals.
Forest Reserves: These are areas that are set aside for the conservation of forests and woodland ecosystems.
Wilderness Areas: These are areas that are protected to maintain their natural condition, free from human influence.
Community Conserved Areas: These are areas where local communities manage and protect the environment and biodiversity.
Private Protected Areas: These are areas that are owned and managed by private individuals or organizations for conservation purposes.
"Protected areas are those areas in which human presence or the exploitation of natural resources (e.g. firewood, non-timber forest products, water, ...) is limited."
"The term 'protected area' also includes marine protected areas and transboundary protected areas across multiple borders."
"…over 161,000 protected areas representing about 17 percent of the world's land surface area (excluding Antarctica)."
"There are 14,688 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), covering approximately 10.2% of coastal and marine areas and 4.12% of global ocean areas."
"Only 0.25% of the world's oceans beyond national jurisdiction are covered by MPAs."
"The 30 by 30 initiative has targeted to protect 30% of ocean territory and 30% of land territory worldwide by 2030."
"The European Union has adopted the 30 by 30 initiative in its Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, Campaign for Nature, and the G7."
"Nations have reached an agreement with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the COP15, which includes the 30 by 30 initiative."
"Protected areas are implemented for biodiversity conservation, often providing habitat and protection from hunting for threatened and endangered species."
"Protection helps maintain ecological processes that cannot survive in most intensely managed landscapes and seascapes."
"Indigenous peoples and local communities frequently criticize this method of fortress conservation for the generally violent processes by which the regulations of the areas are enforced."