Protected area coverage [BIP]

Indicator description

In recognition of the importance of protected areas for the conservation of biodiversity, the Programme of Work on Protected Areas of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aims to establish a comprehensive, ecologically representative, and effectively and equitably managed network of terrestrial and marine protected areas. Aichi Biodiversity Target 11, one of the 20 targets adopted by CBD Parties in 2010, deals specifically with protected areas and aims to protect 17% of the world’s terrestrial and inland water areas and 10% of the world’s marine areas by 2020. This indicator measures progress towards this quantitative element of Target 11.

The protected area coverage indicator measures the policy response to biodiversity loss. An increase in protected area coverage indicates increased efforts by governments and civil society to protect land and sea areas with a view to achieve the long-term conservation of biodiversity with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. The CBD’s Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 aims to protect 17% of the world’s terrestrial and inland water areas and 10% of the world’s marine areas by 2020. This indicator is complemented by other protected area indicators that measure progress towards other elements of Target 11: e.g. how well the planet’s biodiversity is covered by protected areas and how well protected areas are managed.

https://www.bipindicators.net/indicators/coverage-of-protected-areas-terrestria…

Mapping with Sustainable Development Goals

SDG Target 11.4

Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage

SDG Target 14.1

By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution

SDG Target 14.5

By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information

SDG Target 15.1

By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements

SDG Target 15.4

By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development

Mapping with 4th Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024

Ramsar Target 6

There is a significant increase in area, numbers and ecological connectivity in the Ramsar Site network, in particular under-represented types of wetlands including in under-represented ecoregions and Transboundary Sites.

Baseline

By COP12, 2,186 Ramsar Sites have been designated. (Ramsar Sites database).
By COP12 2,085,000 ha of Ramsar Sites have been designated. (Ramsar Sites database).
By COP12 [16] transboundary Ramsar Sites have been designated. (Ramsar Secretariat).
By COP12, Ramsar Sites have been designated for the following under-represented Ramsar Sites:
- Karst and other subterranean hydrological systems – [110 Sites]
- Coral reefs – [96 Sites]
- Wet grasslands – [517 Sites]
- Peatlands – [564 Sites]
- Sea-grass beds – [249 Sites]
- Mangroves – [280 Sites]
- Temporary Pools – [729 Sites]
- Bivalve (shellfish) reefs – [99 Sites]
- (Ramsar Sites database, June 2015).

Indicator

Number of Ramsar sites that have been designated. (Data source: Ramsar Sites database).
Total hectares of Ramsar sites that have been designated. (Data source: Ramsar Sites database).
Number of transboundary Ramsar Sites that have been designated. (Data source: Ramsar Sites database).
Number of Ramsar Sites designated for the following underrepresented wetland types:
- Karst and other subterranean hydrological systems – [XXX Sites]
- Coral reefs – [XXX Sites]
- Wet grasslands – [XXX Sites]
- Peatlands – [XXX Sites]
- Sea-grass beds – [XXX Sites]
- Mangroves – [XXX Sites] T
- emporary Pools – [XXX Sites]
- Bivalve (shellfish) reefs – [XXX Sites]
- (Data source: Ramsar Sites database).