Protected Areas Coverage
Terrestrial and marine areas protected for biodiversity conservation, as a percentage of total territorial area.
Quick Reference
Unit
% of total area
Category
Environment
Metric Code
protected_areas_total
How It's Calculated
Total area of terrestrial and marine protected areas (IUCN categories I-VI: strict nature reserves, wilderness areas, national parks, natural monuments, habitat management areas, landscape protection) divided by total land and marine territorial area, multiplied by 100. Based on World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) using national submissions and UN Environment Programme verification.
Why It Matters
Protected areas are the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation, safeguarding threatened species, preserving ecosystems, and maintaining ecological processes. They provide climate resilience, water security, and cultural heritage protection. Aichi Target 11 called for 17% land and 10% ocean protected by 2020; new Kunming-Montreal framework sets 30% by 2030 (30x30 goal). Coverage indicates national commitment to conservation.
Understanding the Values
Very Low: < 5% (minimal protection - high biodiversity risk) Low: 5-10% (below global targets - expansion needed) Moderate: 10-17% (meeting Aichi land target) Good: 17-30% (strong protection - toward 30x30) Excellent: > 30% (ambitious conservation - Venezuela 54%, Slovenia 38%) Aichi Target 11 (2020): 17% land, 10% ocean Kunming-Montreal Target 3 (2030): 30% land and ocean (30x30) Global average: ~17% land, ~8% ocean (2023) Note: Percentage does not measure protection effectiveness (many "paper parks" lack enforcement).
Related Metrics
Forest Area
Land area covered by forests, expressed as a percentage of total land area.
Marine Protected Areas Coverage
Marine areas protected for biodiversity conservation, as a percentage of total marine territorial area.
Threatened Species Count
Total number of species threatened with extinction (IUCN Red List categories: Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable).
Data Quality & Coverage
Coverage: 245 countries/territories Update frequency: Annual updates to WDPA Sources: UN Data / UNEP-WCMC World Database on Protected Areas Limitations: Quality varies - some countries have well-managed parks, others lack resources. Does not measure management effectiveness, only designated area. Overlaps possible (marine and terrestrial). Indigenous and community conserved areas (ICCAs) often undercounted. Private reserves and locally managed areas may be excluded.