WDPCA: Bahrain Protected and Conserved Areas Geospatial Data

This geospatial dataset provides the boundaries and attributes of marine and terrestrial protected areas in Bahrain, managed by the UNEP-WCMC as part of the Protected Planet Initiative. It integrates data from the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) and the World Database on Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (WD-OECM). The records are updated on a monthly basis, with the current version reflecting data as of March 2026.

Use Cases

• Spatial analysis of marine conservation zones using polygon boundaries to assess habitat protection coverage
• Monitoring national progress toward the 30x30 biodiversity target by calculating the total area of terrestrial protected sites
• Environmental risk assessment for infrastructure projects by intersecting project coordinates with conservation area polygons

Strengths

• Monthly update frequency ensures high temporal relevance
• Available in four formats including GEOPACKAGE, GEOJSON, and CSV
• Official data source for tracking UN Sustainable Development Goals and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets

Limitations

• Geographic restriction to Bahrain only
• Potential for reporting lags between local government updates and global database synchronization

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Compiled from government reports and stakeholder submissions through the Protected Planet Initiative

Freshness

Updated on a monthly basis.

Geography

Bahrain