WDPCA: Mexico Protected and Conserved Areas Geospatial Data

This geospatial dataset provides a Mexico-specific subset of the World Database on Protected and Conserved Areas (WDPCA), managed by UNEP-WCMC and IUCN. It integrates marine and terrestrial protected areas with Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to support global biodiversity monitoring. The records are updated on a monthly basis to inform international policy decisions and conservation management.

Use Cases

• Spatial gap analysis using area geometries to identify under-represented ecosystems in Mexico
• Environmental impact screening by intersecting project coordinates with protected area boundaries
• Tracking national progress toward Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework using conservation status attributes

Strengths

• Monthly update cycle ensures high temporal relevance
• Official data source for UN Sustainable Development Goal tracking
• Available in four formats including GeoJSON and GeoPackage for GIS interoperability

Limitations

• Potential lag between national designation of a protected area and its inclusion in the global database
• Attribute completeness depends on reporting from national and sub-national stakeholders

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Compiled from government reports and stakeholder submissions as part of the Protected Planet Initiative.

Freshness

Updated monthly; last recorded update March 2026.

Geography

Mexico