PROTECTED AREAS OF THE WORLD – REGIONAL DIFFERENCES

Abstract

The subject of the paper is protected natural areas of the world and their regional differences. According to the IUCN, a protected natural area is “a clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values”. States differ in their interpretations of the above definition. Very often, some of the sites that are protected areas in one country may not necessarily be considered protected in another country. In defining and management of protected areas, some countries have adapted their laws to international guidelines, while in other countries the legislation differs significantly from these guidelines. Therefore, the research aims to show regional differences in the identification and management process as well as in the total surface area and abundance of protected natural areas at the world level.