IUCN’s definition of a protected area is:

“An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means “

Protected Areas are managed for a variety of reasons, which include:

• Scientific research
• Wilderness protection
• Preservation of species and genetic diversity
• Maintenance of environmental services
• Protection of specific natural and cultural features
• Tourism and recreation
• Education
• Sustainable use of resources from natural ecosystems
• Maintenance of cultural and traditional attributes