The World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) is the world's premier network of protected and conserved areas expertise. The Commission has over 2500 members spanning 140 countries who provide strategic advice to policymakers and work to strengthen capacity and investment for protected areas establishment and management.
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WCPA develops and disseminates knowledge, science-based policy, advice and guidance on a full suite of issues surrounding protected areas through our Regions, Themes, Specialist Groups, and Task Forces. We bring together global experts to find solutions for programme priorities, including global protected area standards and Best Practice Guidelines.
WCPA is committed to supporting Governments, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and other stakeholders in the implementation of the newly adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. As a global leader on Protected and Conserved Areas, WCPA is working closely on Target 3 which aims for effective and equitable protection and conservation of at least 30% of the planet by 2030. A helpful list of resources relevant to 30x30 can be found here.
Our Mission
Description
To develop and provide scientific and technical advice and policy that promotes a representative, effectively managed and equitably governed global system of marine and terrestrial protected areas, including especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Our Vision
Description
Systems of protected and conserved areas are effective in conserving nature, and as such, are recognised and valued both as cornerstones for conserving biodiversity and as natural solutions to global challenges, providing benefits to human health, livelihoods and well-being.
Our Structure
Description
WCPA is led by the Commission Chair, supported by the Deputy Chair and Steering Committee, and has an operational structure including Specialist Groups, Task Forces, and Commission Members that contribute to the realisation of our mandate.
Link to the list of groups
Our mandate
We work closely with the IUCN Secretariat, IUCN’s Regional Offices, other Commissions, and IUCN members to realise the Union’s One Programme Charter. Our work is based on the WCPA Mandate 2021-2025.
WCPA Mandate 2021-2025
WCPA membership
WCPA’s membership unites experts from a wide range of disciplines who provide the Commission with their knowledge and policy advice on conservation issues, contributing to our Regional work, Specialist Groups, Task Forces, and publications. WCPA membership is free, and we encourage protected area professionals and leaders of all age groups, areas of specialisation, and world regions interested in contributing to protected areas conservation to apply.
After applying for membership, the relevant Regional Vice Chair will review the application and where additional information is required, will be contacted.
Apply to become a WCPA member
WCPA Membership Guides
Please read and download ourMembership Guide
Membership Guide Guide des Membres Guía del Miembros
Featured Work
Grey literature 2023
30x30 A Guide to Inclusive, Equitable and Effective Implementation of Target 3…
This guide is about how to plan and implement the new global target for effectively and equitably conserving at least 30% of the Earth by 2030. The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted by…
Publication 2023
Site-level tool for identifying other effective area-based conservation…
Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) are sites outside protectedareas that deliver effective and long-term in situ conservation of biodiversity. Biodiversity …
News 07 Nov, 2023
In December 2022, more than 190 countries sealed a landmark deal to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework -- the GBF -- calls upon…
Commission leadership
WCPA Leadership is composed of the WCPA Chair, Deputy Chair, Steering Committee, Special Advisors, and our Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs.
Dr. Madhu Rao, Chair
Senior Advisor for Wildllife Conservation Society. A conservation scientist with over 25 years' experience with designing and supporting the implementation of conservation field programmes across Asia
Senior Advisor for Wildllife Conservation Society. A conservation scientist with over 25 years' experience with designing and supporting the implementation of conservation field programmes across Asia ...
Dr. Andrew Rhodes, Deputy Chair
Andrew is the Ocean Coordinator and Sous Sherpa before the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy for Mexico attached to the Ministry of Foreign Relations. Previously held executive positions in the National Commission for Protected Areas and Mexican NGO’s.
Andrew is the Ocean Coordinator and Sous Sherpa before the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy for Mexico attached to the Ministry of Foreign Relations. Previously held executive ...
WCPA's Steering Committee Members
WCPA is committed to supporting Governments, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and other stakeholders in the adoption of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, currently under negotiations by Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) parties.As a global leader on Protected and Conserved Areas, WCPA is working closely on Target 3 which aims for effective protection and conservation of at least 30% of the planet by 2030. A helpful list of resources compiled by WCPA relevant to Target 3can be found here.
News and Resources
Literatura gris2023
30x30 Una guía para la implementación inclusiva, equitativa y eficaz de la Meta 3 del Marco…
Littérature grise2023
30x30 Guide pratique pour la mise en œuvre inclusive, équitable et efficace de la Cible 3?
Noticias17 Jul, 2024
El Parque Nacional Natural Los Katíos recibirá la visita del Grupo de Expertos de la Lista…
Noticias11 Jul, 2024
Dos áreas protegidas de Colombia avanzan para ser incluidas en la Lista Verde de Áreas…
News11 Jul, 2024
Mediterranean sites in France and Spain successfully renew their IUCN Green List status
News05 Jul, 2024
2024 World Protected Areas Leaders Forum ends with shared commitment to promote effective protected…
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