World Commission on Protected Areas

The World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) is the world's premier network of protected and conserved areas expertise. The Commission has over 3200 members spanning 140 countries who provide strategic advice to policymakers and work to strengthen capacity and investment for protected areas establishment and management.

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IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas impact re...

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WCPA develops and disseminates knowledge, science-based policy, advice and guidance on a full suite of issues surrounding protected areas through our Regions, Themes, Specialist Groups, and Task Forces. We bring together global experts to find solutions for programme priorities, including global protected area standards and Best Practice Guidelines.

WCPA is committed to supporting Governments, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and other stakeholders in the implementation of the newly adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. As a global leader on Protected and Conserved Areas, WCPA is working closely on Target 3 which aims for effective and equitable protection and conservation of at least 30% of the planet by 2030. A helpful list of resources relevant to 30x30 can be found here.

Our Mission

The World Commission on Protected Areas develops and provides scientific, technical and policy advice, and advocates for global and national systems of marine, inland water and terrestrial PCAs that result in successful outcomes for the conservation of nature1 and the well-being of humankind, based on principles of sound design, good management and equitable governance.

(1Nature always refers to biodiversity, at genetic, species and ecosystem level, and often also refers to geodiversity, landform and broader natural values.)

Our Vision

Effective and equitable protected and conserved areas (PCAs) are fundamental to restoring the richness and abundance of life on Earth. Well-connected networks of PCAs – which include protected areas, other effective area-based conservation measures and, as appropriate, Indigenous and traditional territories – help protect the intrinsic rights and values of nature; contribute Nature-based Solutions for global challenges facing humanity; and provide benefits to Earth’s climate and human health and well-being.

Our Structure

WCPA is led by the Commission Chair, supported by the Deputy Chair and Steering Committee, and has an operational structure including Specialist Groups, Task Forces, and Commission Members that contribute to the realisation of our mandate.

Link to the list of groups

Our mandate

We work closely with the IUCN Secretariat, IUCN’s Regional Offices, other Commissions, and IUCN members to realise the Union’s One Programme Charter. Our work is based on the WCPA Mandate 2021-2025.

WCPA Mandate 2026-2029

WCPA membership

WCPA’s membership unites experts from a wide range of disciplines who provide the Commission with their knowledge and policy advice on conservation issues, contributing to our Regional work, Specialist Groups, Task Forces, and publications. WCPA membership is free, and we encourage protected area professionals and leaders of all age groups, areas of specialisation, and world regions interested in contributing to protected areas conservation to apply.

After applying for membership, a WCPA Steering Committee member will review the application and where additional information is required, will be contacted.

Apply to become a WCPA member

Featured Work

Other brief 2025

IUCN WCPA Technical Note No. 23: Ensuring that the MPA network under the BBNJ…

Recognizing the urgent need for effective conservation in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement establishes a framework for…

Story 16 Jul, 2025

New IUCN WCPA report charts the course for establishing Marine Protected Areas…

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play a vital role in climate resilience by providing natural defences for coastal regions and offering low-stress zones for marine life to adapt. At the same time, MPAs…

Jointly published 2025

IUCN WCPA: PARKS The International Journal of Protected Areas and Conservation,…

The first issue of PARKS The International Journal of Protected Areas and Conservation, 2025 covers an exciting array of topics related to protected and conserved areas. The issue includes an…

Story 23 Oct, 2024

IUCN WCPA publishes new guidelines on Indigenous peoples, local communities,…

A new volume in the Good Practice Guidelines on Protected and Conserved Areas Series from IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas focuses on Indigenous peoples, local communities, and protected…

Commission Leadership

WCPA Leadership is composed of the WCPA Chair, Deputy Chair, Steering Committee, Special Advisors, and our Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs

Commission Chair

Dr. Madhu Rao

Senior Advisor for Wildllife Conservation Society. A conservation scientist with over 25 years' experience with designing and supporting the implementation of conservation field programmes across Asia

Senior Advisor for Wildllife Conservation Society. A conservation scientist with over 25 years' experience with designing and supporting the implementation of conservation field programmes across Asia ...

EXPERTISE:

Andrew Rhodes - Deputy Chair

Dr. Andrew Rhodes, Deputy Chair

Dr. Andrew Rhodes Espinoza Deputy Chair has over 20 years of professional experience dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. He currently serves as Director of Public and Policy Relations for Mexico at Innovaciones Alumbra.

Dr. Andrew Rhodes Espinoza Deputy Chair has over 20 years of professional experience dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. He currently serves as Director of Public and ...

EXPERTISE:

WCPA's Steering Committee Members

WCPA is committed to supporting Governments, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and other stakeholders in the adoption of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, currently under negotiations by Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) parties. As a global leader on Protected and Conserved Areas, WCPA is working closely on Target 3 which aims for effective protection and conservation of at least 30% of the planet by 2030. A helpful list of resources compiled by WCPA relevant to Target 3 can be found here.