A protected area means 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 (Dudley 2008 IUCN Guidelines). The ICUN categories apply to terrestrial and marine areas. Only those where the main goal or outcome is conserving nature should be considered a Protected Area. The appropriate ICUN category is assigned based on the primary state objective, which must apply to at least 75% of the site.
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