IUCN

This volume describes the major issues facing protected areas, both terrestrial and marine, and discusses the approaches needed to address these issues. An additional section, drawing upon the expertise of CNPPA's vice-chair, marine, and members of 14 task forces, specifically addresses protected area issues in the coastal marine environment.

The rationale for this three-volume work covering nearly 250 major sites for conservation of plant diversity worldwide is concern about rapid global loss and degradation of natural ecosystems. By highlighting areas of prime botanical importance, it is hoped that their conservation will be ensured by an adequate commitment of resources. Selection of the sites is based both on floristic statistics and on detailed first-hand knowledge of numerous botanists.

This work draws attention to the conservation problems confronting these species. The general lack of knowledge about this group has meant that they are afforded little protection.

This plan sets out the policies and actions needed to ensure an adequate, effective and well-managed network of protected areas in Europe. It outlines how potential areas should be integrated with other sectors, such as agriculture, forestry and tourism; sets out priorities at European, sub-regional and national level; proposes actions to strengthen the legal framework, planning and management of Europe's protected areas, and explains how to create the public support necessary for success.