Maintaining a Global Data Set on Protected Areas

The need to maintain accurate data on the location, size, type and status of the world’s protected areas has become critically important in light of continued species decline and habitat degradation. The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) fills this need by storing and making available standardised spatial and attribute information on the global protected area network. When combined with other data sets and databases, such as the Global Database on Protected Area Management Effectiveness (GDPAME), and analysed through Geographic Information Science (GIS), we can advance our understanding of the extent of protected areas as a conservation strategy (Coad et al., 2013). This chapter focuses on the successes and limitations of the WDPA, especially with regard to calculating biodiversity protection indicators. A synopsis on the WDPA, its history, purpose, standards, quality and its viability as a biodiversity protection indicator are given. The results of recent global analyses using the WDPA that aimed to track progress towards Aichi Target 11 are also summarised in this chapter. Finally, challenges of maintaining the WDPA are discussed, and consideration is given to the foundations that underpin it as well as solutions for maintaining its viability in the future.

MILAM Amy;  KENNEY S.;  JUFFE-BIGNOLI Diego;  BERTZKY Bastian;  CORRIGAN C.;  MACSHARRY B.;  BURGESS Neil D.;  KINGSTON Naomi; 

2016-05-25

WILEY-BLACKWELL

JRC101275

9781118338162,   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC101275,