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Protected area coverage of ecoregions [BIP]

Protected area coverage of ecoregions [BIP]

Indicator description

Protected areas can provide multiple benefits for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. They are widely recognized as a major strategy for the conservation of species and ecosystems. The biodiversity they protect provides a range of goods and services essential to human wellbeing. They also help to safeguard natural resources and areas of cultural importance that local communities and indigenous peoples depend on. However, the global protected area system does not yet cover a representative sample of the world’s biodiversity.

This indicator measures the percentage of marine and terrestrial ecoregions covered by protected areas by combining the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) with three ecoregions datasets.

Mapping with Sustainable Development Goals

SDG Target 6.6

By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes

SDG Target 11.4

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

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 15.2

By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

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

SDG Target 15.5

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

SDG Target 15.7

Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products

Mapping with 4th Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024

Ramsar Target 5

The ecological character of Ramsar sites is maintained or restored, through effective planning and integrated management.

Mapping with SPMS 2015-2023

CMS Target 9 International and regional action and cooperation between States for the conservation and effective management of migratory species fully reflects a migration systems approach, in which all States sharing responsibility for the species concerned engage in such actions in a concerted way.