International standards for the effective management of protected areas: An overview

Abstract

Protected areas are a necessary means to ensure the survival of species, maintain healthy ecosystems, and preserve landscapes and seascapes in their natural state. Today, the environmental crisis has accelerated the loss of biodiversity. This has direct repercussions not only on the environment but also on human health and well-being. Hence the importance of protected areas in reversing the loss of biodiversity and ensuring life on this planet. This article is therefore dedicated to analysing the Guidelines for Protected Area Legislation issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This article presents important parameters such as the inclusion of environmental principles or best management practices to guide States in the development of regulations. What is essential is that the regulations are clear and can be implemented. Concerning management plans, these must contain achievable objectives and actions to achieve long-term preservation. They must also be logically structured to achieve the expected changes. Ultimately, States need to commit to protecting their biodiversity and use the most innovative technological tools so that the regulatory system that is implemented can reverse biodiversity loss and thus ensure that humans can live in harmony with nature.

 JEL CODE: F13, Q54.