CategoryOfMarineProtectedArea

FEATURE OBJECT ATTRIBUTE

Feature: IUCN Category

Acronym: catiuc

Attribute type: E

Expected input:

ID Meaning INT 1 M-4

1 : strict nature reserve

2 : wilderness area

3 : national park

4 : natural monument

5 : habitat/species management area

6 : protected landscape/seascape

7 : managed resource protected area

Definitions:

Ia Strict Nature Reserve

Area of land and/or sea possessing some outstanding or representative ecosystems, geological or physiological features and/or species, available primarily for scientific research and/or environmental monitoring.

Ib Wilderness Area

Large area of unmodified or slightly modified land, and/or sea retaining its natural character and influence, without permanent or significant habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural condition.

II National Park

Natural area of land and/or sea, designated to (a) protect the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems for present and future generations, (b) exclude exploitation or occupation inimical to the purposes of designation of the area and (c) provide a foundation for spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities, all of which must be environmentally and culturally compatible.

III Natural Monument

Area containing one, or more, specific natural or natural/cultural feature which is of outstanding or unique value because of its inherent rarity, representative or aesthetic qualities or cultural significance.

IV Habitat/Species Management Area

Area of land and/or sea subject to active intervention for management purposes so as to ensure the maintenance of habitats and/or to meet the requirements of specific species.

V Protected Landscape/Seascape

Area of land, with coast and sea as appropriate, where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant aesthetic, ecological and/or cultural value, and often with high biological diversity. Safeguarding the integrity of this traditional interaction is vital to the protection, maintenance and evolution of such an area.

VI Managed Resource Protected Area

Area containing predominantly unmodified natural systems, managed to ensure long-term protection and maintenance of biological diversity, while providing at the same time a sustainable flow of natural products and services to meet community needs.

source for all definitions (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources publication “Guidelines for Protected Area Management Categories”, IUCN, 1994)