IUCN's Protected Area Programme

IUCN Programme on Protected Areas supports the work of IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas. It has the same mission and vision as WCPA.

David Sheppard, Head IUCN Programme on Protected Areas

Objectives of the Programme

  • To assist in the planning of protected areas and their integration into all sectors by providing strategic advice to policy makers;
  • To strengthen capacity and effectiveness of protected area managers through the provision of guidance, tools and information, and as a vehicle for networking; and
  • To increase investment in protected areas by persuading public and corporate donors, as well as governments, of their value.
In addition to these objectives, which are shared with WCPA, the PPA also aims to link:
  • The various IUCN protected areas field project activities into a cohesive and coordinated IUCN Protected Areas Programme; and
  • The protected area activities of WCPA and IUCN those of key partners (e.g. donors).

Meeru Panorama, Maldives

Structure and Approach

The Protected Areas Programme (PPA) comprises a small Secretariat staff in Headquarters and a small number of technical staff in IUCN regional and country offices.

PPA staff have extensive experience of all aspects of the estabishment and management of protected areas around the world.

The programme works largely with, and through, the membership of WCPA.

Activities are strongly decentralised and implemented at a geographic and issue-based level, often through Regional and Strategic Vice-Chairs of WCPA.

Particular emphasis is placed on developing linkages between WCPA Regional Vice-Chairs and IUCN Regional offices.

World Commission on Protected Areas
Contacts in the IUCN Protected Areas Programme