WDPCA: Protected and Conserved Areas in Benin with OECM Data

This geospatial dataset maps the terrestrial and marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) across Benin. Managed by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and updated as of March 2026, it serves as the official record for tracking progress toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Use Cases

• Spatial analysis of Benin's conservation coverage to track the 30% land and water protection goal
• Environmental risk assessment for commercial projects using boundary coordinates to identify biodiversity risks
• Integration with Global Forest Watch to monitor deforestation rates within specific conserved area boundaries

Strengths

• Official UN-backed data source for Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework
• Available in four formats including GeoJSON, GeoPackage, and CSV
• Integrates formerly separate WDPA and WD-OECM databases into a single layer

Limitations

• Specific attribute column names and record counts are not detailed in the source metadata
• Data accuracy is dependent on the reporting frequency and precision of national stakeholders in Benin

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

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

Freshness

Updated on a monthly basis according to the Protected Planet Initiative.

Geography

Benin