ABSTRACT
Protected areas are one of the most important land and sea uses on Earth. They are created out of human respect for, and desire to sustain, natural and cultural values. They provide critical elements of a response to the global environmental, social and economic challenges of contemporary societies. They conserve vital biodiversity and represent the variety of the Earth's landscapes and history. They offer one answer to how people can relate to and engage with nature. They provide cultural, spiritual, social, economic and ‘quality of life’ benefits, and are one of the key mechanisms to sustain life on Earth. Protected areas play a critical role in sustaining the natural resource base that supports the livelihoods of people and the viability of economies and communities. They are sources of knowledge and offer educational experiences from connecting with nature that will become increasingly important as the world becomes more urbanized.
