Papua New Guinea Protected and Conserved Areas (WDPCA) Geospatial Data

This geospatial dataset documents marine and terrestrial protected areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) across Papua New Guinea. Managed by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) as part of the Protected Planet Initiative, the data is updated on a monthly basis. It serves as the official record for tracking progress toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's Target 3.

Use Cases

• Spatial analysis of marine versus terrestrial conservation coverage to measure progress toward 30% conservation targets
• Integration into the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) to identify biodiversity risks within project boundaries
• Environmental policy planning using GEOSERVICE layers to overlay proposed infrastructure with existing protected area boundaries

Strengths

• Official joint product of the UN Environment Programme and IUCN
• Available in four formats including GEOJSON, GEOPACKAGE, and GEOSERVICE
• Monthly update frequency provides high temporal relevance

Limitations

• Geographic scope is restricted to Papua New Guinea
• Data accuracy is dependent on the reporting quality of national governments and local stakeholders

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Compiled from government submissions and stakeholder data through the Protected Planet Initiative.

Freshness

Updated on a monthly basis; last recorded update March 2026.

Geography

Papua New Guinea