The World Database on Protected and Conserved Areas (WDPCA) is the most comprehensive global database on terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). The WDPCA is a joint product of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), managed by UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC). Data for the WDPCA is collected from international convention secretariats, governments, non-state actors and collaborating non-governmental organisations. To be included in the WDPCA, sites must align with the IUCN or Convention on Biological Diversity's definition of a protected area, or the CBD definition of an OECM.
The WDPCA is an important evolution in the way Protected Planet brings together and makes data available to the world. Its launch reflects the fact that many countries are diversifying their conservation strategies, increasingly seeing protected areas and OECMs (a type of ‘conserved area’) as two complementary approaches. In addition to streamlining reporting, the merge of the databases will drive more informed data analysis and decision making.
Protected Area data and information in the WDPCA underpin the publication of the United Nations List of Protected Areas.
The compilation and management of these databases is carried out by UNEP-WCMC, in collaboration with governments, non-governmental organisations, academia and industry. Data is sourced from almost 500 data providers in 245 countries and territories. These include governments, international secretariates, regional entities, NGOs and individuals.
Note, some data providers place restrictions on the use of the data provided. These can include prohibiting the use by commercial entities of the data provided. The Protected Areas data from WDPCA information provided through the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool, or IBAT, is bound by these restrictions.
The Protected Areas data from WDPCA is updated at the start of each month in IBAT and represents over 300,000 sites around the world.
Further information and metadata on Protected Areas can be seen in the WDPA Manual and IUCN Management Categories.
