Protected areas are locations which receive protection because of their environmental, cultural or similar value. A large number of kinds of protected area exist which vary by level of protection and by the enabling laws of each country or rules of international organization.

A protected area as defined by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) is An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means. National parks are probably the best-known protected areas, but there are many other categories such as marine parks, wilderness areas, wildlife refuges.

• Protected areas of Australia
• Protected areas of the European Union
• Protected areas of New Zealand
• Protected areas of the United Kingdom
• Protected areas of the United States

External link

• IUCN definition of a protected area