Thirteen per cent of the world's land surface is now a protected area

Louise Gray, The Telegraph 7 Oct 08;

More than a tenth of the world is now protected for future generations, according to a scientists.

The massive landscape, which is equivalent to the US, EU and Indonesia combined or the total of the world's croplands, marks a significant step forward for the conservation community.

However the figure also highlights the importance of protecting the world's oceans of which less than 0.5 per cent are currently protected.

Mark Spalding, senior marine scientist with The Nature Conservancy, summarised information to date on the world's protected areas in a new book.

He said: "Protecting nature's special places is something that lies close to the hearts of millions of people the world over. Their benefits are immense, for biodiversity and for people. Amidst the doom and gloom of the many very real problems facing the planet, it's great to step back and see what we've achieved."

The book, The World's Protected Areas, examines the relationship between people and protected areas, investigates threats and opportunities, cites the history of protected areas, provides expert conservation advice and celebrates the success of protected areas around the world.

Protected areas have been established in every country and territory on Earth as a means to protect nature as well as the species and livelihoods that rely on a particular ecosystem.

Originally the world conservation movement hoped to have 10 per cent of the world's surface under protection but it is now 13 per cent.

However Dr Spalding said there are areas and ecosystems still at risk. Of particular concern are freshwater systems.

Other ecosystems singled out for concern include tropical dry forests, temperate grasslands, cold deserts and semi-deserts, and Mediterranean systems. He also pointed out that protected areas are at continued risk from climate change, mismanagement and invasive species.

He added: "Bringing protected areas up to scale in all of the world's oceans is a top priority.

"It's not just a case of protecting beautiful places or vulnerable species, marine protected areas can be a lifeline to fishers, will help establish food security and support the replenishment of dwindling and poorly managed fish-stocks."