WHAT’S IN A NAME?
- Environment Club
- Oct 23, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 28, 2023
Types of protected areas and why knowing the difference matters
By Khushi Kapoor
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially defines a protected area as ‘a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. National Parks, Biosphere Reserves,Wildlife Sanctuaries, Wilderness Areas, Nature Reserves, Geoparks, Wilderness Preservation Areas, Natural Monuments, Strict Nature Reserves, Forrest Territories, etc.
These are all words which we use to describe areas of natural and ecological eminence or what are usually called “protected areas”. While the words listed earlier are all used interchangeably in common parlance, these terms have different meanings and were coined to serve a distinct purpose. This article will discuss the seven categories under which protected areas are categorized by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA): Strict Nature Reserves, Wilderness Areas, National Parks, Natural monument and Natural Feature, Habitat Management Area, Protected Landscapes & Seascapes and Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources.
Strict Nature Reserves, like the one in Mount Nimba in Guinea, are protected areas that are created and managed to preserve biodiversity while facilitating scientific research and environmental monitoring.
Wilderness Areas on the other hand also refer to large tracts of protected area which are maintained in their natural state and are protected against introduction of intrusive man-made structures and artifacts like roads and buildings. The famous volcanoes of Hawaii fall under a designated wilderness area. Comprising vacation favorites like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore and Kaziranga,
National Parks are areas guarded from human intrusion but where visitors are allowed to enter for inspirational, educative, cultural and recreational purposes. Natural Monuments, like the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, are small protected areas that are set aside to protect a specific land/geological feature having high visitor value because of their inherent rarity, representative aesthetic qualities or cultural significance.
Habitat Management Areas are parts of protected areas that require periodic human involvement and management practices to maintain conditions required by the rare, threatened or endangered species residing in them. The Galapagos Islands are categorized as Habitat Management Areas, so that an environment conducive for marine iguanas to survive can be maintained.
Protected Landscapes & Seascapes, on the other hand, differ from habitat management areas as they are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man, land, and water and provide opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation, tourism, and other economic activities. Such areas are perfect for promoting ecotourism.
The last category, i.e. Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources, has the highest level of human involvement. This category conserves ecosystems and habitats already involved in utilization of natural resources and the aim of this category is to change that consumption to low-level non-industrial use of natural resources compatible with nature conservation. The Great Barrier Reef and certain areas in the Mediterranean are examples of this category.
Strict Nature Reserves, like the one in Mount Nimba in Guinea, are protected areas that are created and managed to preserve biodiversity while facilitating scientific research and environmental monitoring.
Wilderness Areas on the other hand also refer to large tracts of protected area which are maintained in their natural state and are protected against introduction of intrusive man-made structures and artifacts like roads and buildings. The famous volcanoes of Hawaii fall under a designated wilderness area. Comprising vacation favorites like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore and Kaziranga, National Parks are areas guarded from human intrusion but where visitors are allowed to enter for inspirational, educative, cultural and recreational purposes.
Natural Monuments, like the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, are small protected areas that are set aside to protect a specific land/geological feature having high visitor value because of their inherent rarity, representative aesthetic qualities or cultural significance.
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