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World Commission on Protected Areas

The World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) is the world's premier network of protected and conserved areas expertise. The Commission has over 2500 members spanning 140 countries who provide strategic advice to policymakers and work to strengthen capacity and investment for protected areas establishment and management. 

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Overview
Our Work
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WCPA develops and disseminates knowledge, science-based policy, advice and guidance on a full suite of issues surrounding protected areas through our Regions, Themes, Specialist Groups, and Task Forces. We bring together global experts to find solutions for programme priorities, including global protected area standards and Best Practice Guidelines.

WCPA is committed to supporting Governments, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and other stakeholders in the adoption of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, currently under negotiations by Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) parties. As a global leader on Protected and Conserved Areas, WCPA is working closely on Target 3 which aims for effective and equitable protection and conservation of at least 30% of the planet by 2030. A helpful list of resources relevant to 30x30 can be found here. 

Our Mission

To develop and provide scientific and technical advice and policy that promotes a representative, effectively managed and equitably governed global system of marine and terrestrial protected areas, including especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Our Vision

Systems of protected and conserved areas are effective in conserving nature, and as such, are recognised and valued both as cornerstones for conserving biodiversity and as natural solutions to global challenges, providing benefits to human health, livelihoods and well-being.

Our Structure

WCPA is led by the Commission Chair, supported by the Deputy Chair and Steering Committee, and has an operational structure including Specialist Groups, Task Forces, and Commission Members that contribute to the realisation of our mandate.

Link to the list of groups read more

Our mandate

We work closely with the IUCN Secretariat, IUCN’s Regional Offices, other Commissions, and IUCN members to realise the Union’s One Programme Charter. Our work is based on the WCPA Mandate 2021-2024. 

WCPA Mandate 2021-2024

WCPA membership

WCPA’s membership unites experts from a wide range of disciplines who provide the Commission with their knowledge and policy advice on conservation issues, contributing to our Regional work, Specialist Groups, Task Forces, and publications. WCPA membership is free, and we encourage protected area professionals and leaders of all age groups, areas of specialisation, and world regions interested in contributing to protected areas conservation to apply.

After applying for membership, the relevant Regional Vice Chair will review the application and where additional information is required, will be contacted. 

Apply to become a WCPA member
Featured Work
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Factsheet | 2021
Conserving at least 30% of the planet by 2030 – What should count?
This brief seeks to bring clarity to the question of what could count toward the 30% global minimum target within the context of recognized area-based conservation measures and their ability to…
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Publication | 2020
Guidelines for conserving connectivity through ecological networks and corridors
Connectivity conservation is essential for managing healthy ecosystems, conserving biodiversity and adapting to climate change across all biomes and spatial scales. Well-connected ecosystems support…
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Publication | 2019
Recognising and reporting other effective area-based conservation measures
In November 2018, Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted at the 14th Conference of the Parties a definition of an "other effective area-based conservation measure" …
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Publication | 2018
Guidelines for privately protected areas
These guidelines address planning and management of privately protected areas (or PPAs) and the guidance is aimed principally at practitioners and policy makers, who are or may be involved…

Announcement: Nominations for the IUCN WCPA Ranger Awards are now open until April 15, 2023. Click here for more information.

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Commission leadership

WCPA Leadership is composed of the WCPA Chair, Deputy Chair, Steering Committee, Special Advisors, and our Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs.

Dr. Madhu Rao

Dr. Madhu Rao, Chair

Senior Advisor for Wildllife Conservation Society. A conservation scientist with over 25 years' experience with designing and supporting the implementation of conservation field programmes across Asia ...

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Senior Advisor for Wildllife Conservation Society. A conservation scientist with over 25 years' experience with designing and supporting the implementation of conservation field programmes across Asia

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Dr. Andrew Rhodes

Dr. Andrew Rhodes, Deputy Chair

Andrew is the Ocean Coordinator and Sous Sherpa before the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy for Mexico attached to the Ministry of Foreign Relations. Previously held executive ...

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Andrew is the Ocean Coordinator and Sous Sherpa before the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy for Mexico attached to the Ministry of Foreign Relations. Previously held executive positions in the National Commission for Protected Areas and Mexican NGO’s.

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WCPA's Steering Committee Members

WCPA is committed to supporting Governments, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and other stakeholders in the adoption of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, currently under negotiations by Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) parties. As a global leader on Protected and Conserved Areas, WCPA is working closely on Target 3 which aims for effective protection and conservation of at least 30% of the planet by 2030. A helpful list of resources compiled by WCPA relevant to Target 3 can be found here.