Terrestrial Biodiversity Adaptation Research Network

The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) is project of UNEP and UICN. This global spatial dataset on marine and terrestrial protected areas was produced and updated by UNEP-WCMC and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas. The WDPA is a conservation decision making tool designed with important information from national governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, international biodiversity convention secretariats and many others.

The WDPA applies the definition and categories of a protected area adopted by IUCN.

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”.
_{Source: Dudley, N. (Editor) (2008). Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. x + 86pp.}

For more information on the IUCN protected area definition please see here.