Governance assessment framework for Terrestial Protected Areas

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A protected area is a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. Six categories (one of which has two sub-categories) of protected area are recognised: I(a) Strict Nature Reserve, I(b) Wilderness Area, II. National Park, III. Natural Monument, IV. Habitat/Species Management Area, V. Protected Landscape/Seascape, and VI. Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources. Protected area governance concerns the structures, processes and traditions that determine how power and responsibilities are exercised, how decisions are taken, and how stakeholders have their say. This report shows how contemporary trends in protected area governance lead to a need for evaluating governance quality. This approach is illustrated using a case study of a protected area in France.