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T1 State of the world's protected areas at the end of the twentieth century
A1 United Nations Environment Programme, 
A1 World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 
K1 environmental conservation
K1 conservation of species
K1 species conservation programme
PB UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)
YR 1997
FD 1997
LK https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/8217
UL https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/8217
NO This document provides an analysis of the global status of protected areas at the close of the twentieth century, synthesizing an extensive dataset compiled and managed by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Drawing on internationally recognized definitions and management categories established by the IUCN, the paper outlines the multidimensional purposes and classifications of protected areas, ranging from strict nature reserves to managed resource areas. Detailed statistical reviews chart the historical growth, number, size distribution, and management objectives of protected areas worldwide, highlighting both regional patterns and systemic gaps. Notably, the analysis reveals a robust and expanding global network — encompassing over 30,000 sites and nearly 8.8% of terrestrial surfaces — yet identifies significant underrepresentation of certain biomes and marine environments, disparities in size and management effectiveness, and incomplete data for many regions.
DS UN Environment Document Repository
RD Sep 19, 2026