WDPCA: Poland Protected and Conserved Areas Geospatial Data

Poland's terrestrial and marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) managed by UNEP-WCMC. This dataset, updated as of March 2026, integrates the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) and the World Database on Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (WD-OECM). It serves as the official record for reporting progress toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's 30x30 target.

Use Cases

• Spatial analysis of conservation coverage using geometries to track the 30% protection target
• Biodiversity risk assessment by intersecting project boundaries with protected area polygons
• Environmental policy reporting using designation status to categorize marine vs terrestrial zones

Strengths

• Official UN-backed data from UNEP-WCMC and IUCN
• Available in four formats including GeoJSON and GeoPackage
• Integrates both WDPA and WD-OECM frameworks

Limitations

• Dependent on the frequency and accuracy of reporting by Polish national authorities
• Lack of specific attribute documentation in the provided metadata

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Compiled in collaboration with governments and stakeholders as part of the Protected Planet Initiative.

Freshness

Updated on a monthly basis; current version dated March 2026.

Geography

Poland