The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
The world’s more than 200 000 protected areas come
in many forms, on land and at sea, and occur in every
country (Bertzky et al. 2012). They are places that people
establish to conserve natural and cultural heritage and
to sustain their benefits for society. Among other values,
protected areas allow people to connect with nature for
their inspiration, education, well-being and recreation.
While protecting ecosystems that are essential for life,
they can support human livelihoods and aspirations