WDPCA: New Zealand Protected and Conserved Areas Geospatial Data

This geospatial dataset maps marine and terrestrial protected areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) across New Zealand. Produced by the UNEP-WCMC and IUCN, the data is updated monthly to track progress toward international biodiversity targets. It serves as the official record for reporting on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Use Cases

• Spatial analysis of New Zealand's progress toward the 30x30 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework target using area boundaries
• Environmental risk assessment for commercial projects by intersecting project coordinates with protected area polygons
• Tracking Sustainable Development Goal indicators for biodiversity by analyzing the proportion of conserved land and sea

Strengths

• Monthly update frequency provides high temporal resolution for conservation status
• Official UN-backed source managed by UNEP-WCMC and IUCN
• Available in multiple geospatial formats including GeoJSON, GeoPackage, and GeoService

Limitations

• Specific attribute fields and record counts are not detailed in the source metadata
• Data accuracy depends on the reporting frequency and precision of New Zealand's national agencies

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

New Zealand