Nature Needs Half™ - What do we mean by protected?
We use the term “protected areas” as defined by International Union for the Conservation of Nature World Commission on Protected Area’s 2008 guidelines which means areas formally dedicated to the protection of nature. Connectivity between protected areas can be provided by a variety of conservation mechanisms that will vary according to local conditions and the needs of particular species. The idea is to ensure that entire systems function properly.
A protected area is: “A clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values”. Protected areas are classified into six major categories, that are managed for:
I Strict protection [Ia) Strict nature reserve and Ib) Wilderness area]
II Ecosystem conservation and protection (i.e., National park)
III Conservation of natural features (i.e., Natural monument)
IV Conservation through active management (i.e., Habitat/species management area)
V Landscape/seascape conservation and recreation (i.e., Protected landscape/seascape)
VI Sustainable use of natural resources (i.e., Managed resource protected area)
