Protection: Park management

A central role in WWF's forest work

Protected areas are the cornerstone of most national biodiversity conservation strategies. The latest survey from the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre suggests that over 11 per cent of the planet’s land surface is now under protected areas status.

Our future is closely linked to the strength of a global protected areas network. Legal gazettement of protected areas is a fundamental step, and has proven to be a critical factor in deterring land use changes.

Under certain conditions, even 'paper parks' have a pivotal role in conserving biodiversity. However in the medium to long term, protected areas only work if they really are protected. It is therefore critical to assess the management effectiveness of existing areas to make sure they are fulfilling their objectives.

This need has been recognised at an international level. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in early 2004 produced a Programme of Work on Protected Areas, in which Parties to the convention are called to assess at least 30 per cent of their parks AND their networks of protected areas, by 2010.

To assist parties in this important endeavour, WWF can offer two management effectiveness tools: The World Bank/WWF Tracking Tool and WWF’s RAPPAM methodology.

Protected areas play a central role in WWF's work - from lobbying for their creation, to management at site level and at system level, and lobbying for better policies.


Beyond 'simple' management
On the ground, WWF also helps with tourism initiatives, working closely with rangers, holding training workshops and stakeholder meetings, carrying out mapping, habitat management, restoration in buffer zones, working with local communities to manage the area, working with religious communities where appropriate, and providing funding, equipment, expertise and advice.