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Protected areas - Local areas

<p>This dataset provides estimates on the share and coverage of Protected Areas in OECD Local Areas. </p>

<p style="color: #0965c1; font-weight: bold;"> The data is organized at Territorial Level 2 (TL2). To visualize the data at Local Area level, click on the corresponding TL2 indicator. </p>

<b>The full dataset can be downloaded here: <a href="https://stats.oecd.org/wbos/fileview2.aspx?IDFile=d9aad517-be11-4115-8980-8f292db6dcc0">Download Microdata </a></b>

<h3>Data sources and methodology</h3> <p> Protected areas are estimated using the World Database on Protected Areas - WDPA (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN, 2024), a comprehensive global database on terrestrial and marine protected areas. WDPA is a joint project between UN Environment Programme and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and is managed by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEPWCMC), in collaboration with governments, non-governmental organisations, academia and industry. Protected areas are classified into 100% terrestrial, coastal: marine and terrestrial, and 100% marine. In the OECD Local Data Portal, marine protected areas are excluded. WDPA is used to ensure globally consistent definitions and comparable cross country data, as national datasets vary widely in classification systems and reporting practices. These estimates may differ from official subnational statistics due to differences in methodological approaches, including the use of global standardised classifications versus national designation systems of natural protected areas, variations in data submission frequency, data validation protocols, and differences in spatial boundaries or mapping accuracy.</p>

<h3>Further information</h3> <ul> <li> <a href=https://localdataportal.oecd.org/>OECD Local Data Portal </a> </li> <li> <a href=https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-regions-and-cities-at-a-glance-2024_f42db3bf-en.html/>OECD Regions and Cities at a Glance </a> </li> </ul> <p align="justify">For questions and/or comments, please email <a href="mailto:CitiesStat@oecd.org">CitiesStat@oecd.org</a>