The World Conservation Union (IUCN) defines a Protected Area as:


"An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means".

Marine Protected Area (MPA)is defined by IUCN as: " any area of intertidal or subtidal terrain, together with its overlying water and associated flora, fauna, historical and cultural features which, has been reserved by lawor other effective meansto protect part or all of the enclosed environment".

According to IUCN, protected areas are divided into six types, depending on their objectives:

	Category I - Protection area managed mainly for science or wilderness protection (Strict Nature Reserve/Wilderness Area)
	Category II - Protection area managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation(National Park)
	Category III - Protection area managed mainly for conservation of specific natural features(Natural Monument)
	Category IV - Protection area managed mainly for conservation through management intervention
	Category V - Protection area managed mainly for landscape/seascape conservation and recreation(Protected Landscape/Seascape)
	Category VI - Protection area managed mainly for the sustainable use of natural ecosystems(Managed Resource Protected Area)

Other Types of Protected Areas:

• Ramsar or Wetland Sites
• Unesco Biosphere Reserves
• Unesco Heritage Sites