The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) is the most comprehensive global database of marine and terrestrial protected areas.
The WDPA is a joint project between the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Data and information in the WDPA underpin the publication of the United Nations List of Protected Areas.
The compilation and management of the WDPA is carried out by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), in collaboration with governments, non-governmental organisations, academia and industry. The WDPA is sourced from almost 500 data providers in 245 countries and territories. These include governments, international secretariates, regional entities, NGOs and individuals.
Note, some data providers place restrictions on the use of the data provided to the WDPA. These can include prohibiting the use by commercial entities of the data provided. The WDPA information provided through the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool, or IBAT, is bound by these restrictions.
The WDPA is updated at the start of each month in IBAT and represents over 300,000 sites around the world.
Further information and metadata on Protected Areas can be seen in the WDPA Manual and IUCN Management Categories.
