WDPCA: Protected and Conserved Areas in Austria (Monthly Updates)

This geospatial dataset provides boundaries and metadata for protected and conserved areas in Austria, integrating the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (WD-OECM). Managed by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and IUCN, the data is updated on a monthly basis to support global biodiversity monitoring. It serves as the official record for tracking progress toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Use Cases

• Spatial analysis of biodiversity risks within project boundaries using GEOJSON or GEOPACKAGE geometry.
• Reporting on progress toward Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework using designation status.
• Tracking core indicators for the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

Strengths

• Monthly update frequency ensures current status of conservation designations.
• Combines both WDPA and WD-OECM frameworks into a single unified dataset.
• Provided in multiple GIS-ready formats including GEOJSON, GEOPACKAGE, and GEOSERVICE.

Limitations

• Specific attribute column names and row counts are not provided in the source metadata.
• Geographic scope is restricted to Austria, necessitating external joins for cross-border analysis.

Provenance

Source

UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)

Collection Method

Compiled from government reports and stakeholder submissions in collaboration with IUCN.

Freshness

Updated on a monthly basis; last metadata update recorded March 2026.

Geography

Austria