Protected areas safeguard Earth’s diverse species and ecological processes. They maintain the planet’s natural balance and support the well-being of all life forms.
The Global Snapshot: Current Protected Land Area
Approximately 17.1% of terrestrial and inland water ecosystems are currently under some form of conservation as of May 2023. This figure is reported by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) through the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA).
Since 2010, over 21 million square kilometers of land and inland waters have been recognized as conserved, marking a significant increase in protected area coverage. About one-third of areas identified as highly important for biodiversity still lack full protection.
Defining “Preserve”: Categories and Criteria
A “preserve” or protected area is a geographical space managed for the long-term conservation of nature, its ecosystem services, and cultural values. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies these areas into six management categories based on their primary conservation objectives. This system is globally recognized, providing a common framework for understanding different levels of protection.
Category Ia, a Strict Nature Reserve, is managed for scientific research and environmental monitoring, with human access highly restricted to protect biodiversity and geological features. Category Ib, a Wilderness Area, consists of large, unmodified areas managed to preserve their natural condition, with minimal human habitation. National Parks (Category II) are large natural areas set aside to protect ecosystems and species, while also providing opportunities for recreation and education that are compatible with conservation goals.
Category III, a Natural Monument or Feature, protects specific natural elements like landforms or geological features. Habitat/Species Management Areas, or Category IV, focus on protecting particular species or habitats, often requiring active interventions to maintain their condition. Protected Landscape/Seascape (Category V) involves areas where human interaction with nature has created a distinct character, and management aims to safeguard this interaction along with natural and cultural heritage. Finally, Category VI, a Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources, conserves ecosystems and habitats while allowing sustainable, non-industrial use of natural resources that is compatible with conservation objectives.
The Purpose of Protection: Why Conserve Land?
Land is set aside as preserves for a variety of fundamental reasons, primarily centered on safeguarding Earth’s natural systems and the benefits they provide. A key purpose is biodiversity conservation, protecting the vast array of plant, animal, and insect species, along with their habitats. These areas act as havens for threatened and endangered species, maintaining genetic diversity.
Protected areas also maintain essential ecosystem services, natural processes that benefit human societies. These services include providing clean water, regulating climate by absorbing carbon, ensuring soil health, and supporting pollination for agriculture. Intact ecosystems within preserves can also help mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce the risk of natural disasters like floods and droughts.
Beyond ecological functions, preserves offer cultural and recreational value. They provide spaces for outdoor recreation, tourism, and opportunities for people to connect with nature, which can improve physical and mental well-being. Many protected areas also hold spiritual or historical significance for local communities and Indigenous peoples, preserving cultural traditions and a sense of identity. Furthermore, these areas serve as living laboratories for scientific research, offering invaluable opportunities to study natural processes and better understand the environment.
Looking Ahead: Global Conservation Targets
International conservation efforts are increasingly focused on ambitious targets to expand protected areas worldwide. A prominent goal is the “30 by 30” target, which aims to protect at least 30% of Earth’s land and sea areas by 2030. This target is a central component of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted by over 190 countries in December 2022.
The “30 by 30” initiative emphasizes not only the quantity of protected land but also the need for these areas to be effectively managed, ecologically representative, and well-connected. Achieving this target is seen as crucial for reversing biodiversity loss and building resilience against climate change. While significant progress has been made, reaching this goal requires continued expansion of protected area networks and a focus on the quality and connectivity of these conserved spaces.