ABSTRACT
The current global network of protected areas is not yet sufficient to protect the full range of species on Earth (see Chapter 1, p12). As a consequence, the establishment of new protected areas is recognized as a key component of international conservation efforts. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), for example, specifically highlights the need to develop guidelines for the selection and management of protected area systems. Protected areas can be established by governments under legislation, by local and indigenous communities, NGOs and private landowners (see Chapter 5). Until recently, the process of identifying target areas and declaring them for protection has been largely driven by political, social and economic interests. As a result, the overall representation of biodiversity conservation is inadequate in many protected area systems around the world (Brooks et al, 2004).
