Percentage of Earth’s Land Protected

Currently, only 15.7 percent of land and freshwater, and 8.1 percent of oceans are protected. These places are part of a network of 270,000 protected and conserved areas around the world. Many of these areas are fragmented, under-resourced, and not effectively managed to ensure the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity over the long term. Vital ecosystems are under-represented in the current network of protected areas. And most importantly, Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) have too often been excluded from, and even harmed by, conservation efforts.

Key Facts

  1. Percentage of Earth’s Land Protected:
    • Currently, only 15.7 percent of land and freshwater are protected.
    • The World Now Protects 15% of Its Land.
  2. Types of Protected Areas:
    • The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies protected areas into six categories:
      • Strict nature reserve or wilderness area
      • National park
      • Natural monument or feature
      • Habitat or species management area
      • Protected landscape or seascape
      • Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources.
  3. Protected Areas Established Outside North America:
    • One type of protected area established outside North America is the Wolong Nature Reserve in southwestern China.

Types of Protected Areas

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies protected areas into six categories:

  1. Strict nature reserve or wilderness area
  2. National park
  3. Natural monument or feature
  4. Habitat or species management area
  5. Protected landscape or seascape
  6. Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources

Protected Areas Established Outside North America

One example of a protected area established outside North America is the Wolong Nature Reserve in southwestern China. This reserve was established in 1975 and is home to a variety of endangered species, including the giant panda. The reserve has been successful in protecting these species and their habitat, and it has also helped to promote sustainable development in the region.

Conclusion

Protected areas play a vital role in conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services. They help to protect species from extinction, maintain healthy ecosystems, and provide a variety of benefits to people, such as clean air and water, recreation opportunities, and climate regulation. By increasing the coverage and effectiveness of protected areas, we can help to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.

Sources:

  1. Protecting 30% of the Planet by 2030 | Bezos Earth Fund (https://www.bezosearthfund.org/ideas/protecting-30-of-the-planet-by-2030)
  2. The World Now Protects 15% of Its Land, but Crucial Biodiversity Zones Left Out | IUCN (https://www.iucn.org/news/secretariat/201609/world-now-protects-15-its-land-crucial-biodiversity-zones-left-out)
  3. Protecting 30% of Earth’s surface for nature means thinking about connections near and far (https://phys.org/news/2022-12-earth-surface-nature.html)

FAQs

What percentage of Earth’s land is currently protected?

Currently, only 15.7 percent of land and freshwater, and 8.1 percent of oceans are protected.

What are the different types of protected areas?

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies protected areas into six categories:

  1. Strict nature reserve or wilderness area
  2. National park
  3. Natural monument or feature
  4. Habitat or species management area
  5. Protected landscape or seascape
  6. Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources

Can you provide an example of a protected area that has been established outside North America?

One example of a protected area established outside North America is the Wolong Nature Reserve in southwestern China.

What is the purpose of the Wolong Nature Reserve?

The Wolong Nature Reserve was established in 1975 to protect a variety of endangered species, including the giant panda.

Has the Wolong Nature Reserve been successful in achieving its goals?

Yes, the Wolong Nature Reserve has been successful in protecting endangered species and their habitat, and it has also helped to promote sustainable development in the region.

What are some of the benefits of protected areas?

Protected areas provide a variety of benefits, including:

  • Protecting species from extinction
  • Maintaining healthy ecosystems
  • Providing clean air and water
  • Offering recreation opportunities
  • Regulating climate

Why is it important to increase the coverage and effectiveness of protected areas?

Increasing the coverage and effectiveness of protected areas is important to ensure a sustainable future for our planet. Protected areas help to conserve biodiversity, maintain ecosystem services, and provide a variety of benefits to people.

What can be done to increase the coverage and effectiveness of protected areas?

There are a number of things that can be done to increase the coverage and effectiveness of protected areas, including:

  • Raising awareness of the importance of protected areas
  • Providing financial and technical support to protected area managers
  • Working with local communities to ensure that protected areas are managed in a sustainable way
  • Advocating for policies that support the establishment and effective management of protected areas

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