The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) is the global reference dataset for conservation boundaries — the layer that any spatial analysis involving protected land or marine areas needs to start with. Maintained by UNEP-WCMC and IUCN with monthly updates from governments and conservation organizations, it provides the authoritative answer to a question that comes up constantly in environmental consulting, infrastructure planning, and development permitting: does this site overlap with a protected area?
With over 260,000 sites across 245 countries, the WDPA is also the spatial backbone for tracking global conservation targets like the 30x30 initiative to protect 30% of land and ocean by 2030.
Beyond simple overlap checks, the WDPA enables more nuanced spatial analysis when combined with other layers. Overlay protected area boundaries with GBIF species records to assess whether protection aligns with actual biodiversity value. Combine with Global Forest Watch tree cover loss to identify deforestation inside protected zones. Cross-reference with land cover and infrastructure data to evaluate encroachment threats.
The IUCN management categories and governance types attached to each site also let you distinguish between strictly protected wilderness (Category Ia) and managed-use areas (Category VI), which matters for carbon offset verification and conservation effectiveness studies. One practical note: protected area boundaries frequently overlap — national parks, Natura 2000 sites, and Ramsar wetlands can cover the same ground — so dissolving overlapping polygons is essential before calculating total protected area.
