The definition of a protected area adopted by
IUCN is:
An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated
to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of
natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through
legal or other effective means
Although all protected areas meet the general
purposes contained in this definition, in practice the precise
purposes for which protected areas are managed differ
greatly.
Protected Area Management Categories
IUCN has defined a series of six protected area
management categories, based on primary management objective. In
summary, these are:
CATEGORY Ia: Strict Nature Reserve:
protected area managed mainly for science
Definition Area of land and/or sea
possessing some outstanding or representative ecosystems,
geological or physiological features and/or species, available
primarily for scientific research and/or environmental
monitoring.
CATEGORY Ib Wilderness Area:
protected area managed mainly for wilderness protection
Definition: Large area of unmodified or
slightly modified land, and/or sea, retaining its natural character
and influence, without permanent or significant habitation, which
is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural
condition.
CATEGORY II National
Park: protected area managed mainly for ecosystem protection and
recreation
Definition: Natural area of land and/or sea,
designated to (a) protect the ecological integrity of one or more
ecosystems for present and future generations, (b) exclude
exploitation or occupation inimical to the purposes of designation
of the area and (c) provide a foundation for spiritual, scientific,
educational, recreational and visitor opportunities, all of which
must be environmentally and culturally compatible.
CATEGORY III Natural
Monument: protected area managed mainly for conservation of
specific natural features
Definition: Area containing one, or more,
specific natural or natural/cultural feature which is of
outstanding or unique value because of its inherent rarity,
representative or aesthetic qualities or cultural
significance.
CATEGORY IV Habitat/Species
Management Area: protected area managed mainly for conservation
through management intervention
Definition: Area of land and/or sea subject
to active intervention for management purposes so as to ensure the
maintenance of habitats and/or to meet the requirements of specific
species.
CATEGORY V Protected
Landscape/Seascape: protected area managed mainly for
landscape/seascape conservation and recreation
Definition: Area of land, with coast and sea
as appropriate, where the interaction of people and nature over
time has produced an area of distinct character with significant
aesthetic, ecological and/or cultural value, and often with high
biological diversity. Safeguarding the integrity of this
traditional interaction is vital to the protection, maintenance and
evolution of such an area.
CATEGORY VI Managed Resource
Protected Area: protected area managed mainly for the sustainable
use of natural ecosystems
Definition: Area containing predominantly
unmodified natural systems, managed to ensure long term protection
and maintenance of biological diversity, while providing at the
same time a sustainable flow of natural products and services to
meet community needs.