The purpose of these guidelines is to update and expand the original guidelines on protected areas legislation published in 1980 and to reflect new developments and emerging issues. These developments include significant advances in international environmental law, and an improved scientific understanding of the role of protected areas in nature conservation, including conserving biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem functions and supporting sustainable development. As with the original 1980 guidelines, the primary technical audience for these new protected areas legislation guidelines is the legal drafter working closely with protected area authorities as well as others involved in the legislative process. These guidelines will also be a valuable resource for those employed in executive agencies that oversee and implement other policies and programmes affecting or affected by protected areas legislation. In addition, these protected areas legislation guidelines will be useful for those involved with or interested in the progress, review or drafting of protected areas legislation.