Protected area establishment

This text offers authoritative advice on the present day planning, policies and practices for marine protected areas. The Guidelines are intended primarily to help nations and states to establish national representative systems of marine protected areas as a vital component of the integrated management of their coastal and marine areas. The main text is supplemented by detailed appendices to assist in the planning of a system and of individual marine protected areas.

Many countries have areas with special natural qualities characterized by the harmonious interaction between resident populations and the land. This book sets out the varied approaches to establishing such areas as protected landscapes. It provides guidance on criteria for selection of a landscape, implementation, management and the legal measures involved if protection is to be achieved.