promote the establishment and effective management of a world-wide representative network of terrestrial and marine protected areas as an integral contribution to IUCN's mission.
WCPA
The World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) is the world's premier network of protected area expertise. It is administered by IUCN's Programme on Protected Areas and has over 1,400 members, spanning 140 countries.
WCPA works by helping governments and others plan protected areas and integrate them into all sectors; by providing strategic advice to policy makers; by strengthening capacity and investment in protected areas; and by convening the diverse constituency of protected area stakeholders to address challenging issues. For more than 50 years, IUCN and WCPA have been at the forefront of global action on protected areas
WCPA's Mission
Jordan Rift Valley where there is an ongoing project to create a number of Protected Areas in this valley
Photo: RSCN
WCPA's Objectives
- help governments and others plan protected areas and integrate them into all sectors, through provision of strategic advice to policy makers;
- strengthen capacity and effectiveness of protected areas managers, through provision of guidance, tools and information and a vehicle for networking;
- increase investment in protected areas, by persuading public and corporate donors of their value; and
- enhance WCPA's capacity to implement its programme, including through co-operation with IUCN members and partners.
Chair of WCPA
Nik Lopoukhine
Nik Lopoukhine has been Chair of WCPA since IUCN World Conservation Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2005.
Nik Lopoukhine
Chair, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
c/o Parks Canada - Parcs Canada
7th Floor
25 Eddy Street
Gatineau
Quebec K1A 0M5
Canada
Tel: ++1 819 956 9908
Fax: ++1 819 994 5140
Email: nik.lopoukhine@pc.gc.ca
