WDPCA: Sri Lanka Protected and Conserved Areas Geospatial Data

Sri Lanka's terrestrial and marine protected areas and conservation measures managed by UNEP-WCMC as part of the Protected Planet Initiative. This dataset integrates the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (WD-OECM) to support global biodiversity reporting. It is updated on a monthly basis and serves as the official record for tracking progress toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Use Cases

• Spatial analysis of marine and terrestrial conservation coverage to track Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
• Environmental risk assessment for commercial projects using geospatial boundaries to identify biodiversity risks
• Reporting on UN Sustainable Development Goal indicators related to biodiversity and land management

Strengths

• Official UN-backed data source from UNEP-WCMC and IUCN
• Combines both WDPA and WD-OECM records into a single resource
• Available in four formats including GEOJSON, GEOPACKAGE, and GEOSERVICE

Limitations

• Geographic scope is restricted to Sri Lanka
• Attribute schema and specific column definitions are not detailed in the source metadata

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Compiled from government reports and stakeholder contributions through the Protected Planet Initiative

Freshness

Updated on a monthly basis; current version reflects data as of March 2026.

Geography

Sri Lanka