WDPCA: Protected and Conserved Areas in Lao PDR (Geospatial)

This geospatial dataset provides boundaries and metadata for marine and terrestrial protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) in Lao PDR. Managed by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) in collaboration with the IUCN, it was last updated in March 2026. It serves as the primary source for tracking progress toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's 30x30 target.

Use Cases

• Calculating the percentage of terrestrial territory under conservation to track Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
• Identifying biodiversity risks within project boundaries for commercial environmental impact assessments using the spatial polygons
• Integrating with Global Forest Watch to monitor deforestation trends within specific protected area boundaries

Strengths

• Official global standard for biodiversity reporting used by the UN and IUCN
• Available in multiple geospatial formats including GEOJSON, GEOPACKAGE, and GEOSERVICE
• Updated monthly to reflect changes in conservation status and boundaries

Limitations

• Specific column names and attribute definitions are not provided in the source metadata
• Data accuracy depends on reporting from national governments and stakeholders

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Compiled from government reports and stakeholder submissions

Freshness

Updated on a monthly basis.

Geography

Lao People's Democratic Republic