Protected areas and biodiversity: An overview of key issues

The area set aside for conservation by concerned governments and communities covers almost 12 per cent of the Earth's land surface. Protected areas are such a significant factor in the planet's natural resource allocation that they are important indicators in global environment monitoring. Recognition of the importance of participatory approaches and the values of community-conserved areas continues to increase.

Protected Areas and Biodiversity: An Overview of Key Issues synthesises key aspects in the development of protected areas: the level of international commitment, the relationship of protected areas to sustainable development, and critical issues related to their effectiveness. This publication has been compiled by the Secretariat of the CBD and UNEP-WCMC as an input to the Seventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties.