Protected Areas and World Heritage Programme

Guidelines for Protected Area Management Categories

National designation Canaima was established as a national park in 1962 under the Forest Law of Lands and Water, 1943. It presently covers 3,000,000ha of the Gran Sabana and the mid-Río Caroní. Land is owned by the Venezuelan government, although the traditional occupants, the Pemón, have claimed land rights.

Legal basis for management Provisions for a national park under the 1983 Organic Law of Territorial Planning include protection of Canaima as a natural area unaffected by human disturbance, and encouragement of recreation, educational activities and research. Hunting and collection of wildlife is forbidden.

In situ management Objectives formulated in the management plan include provisions for indigenous agricultural production under strict regulation. Tourism is encouraged but restricted to designated areas.

Geography Canaima includes the uplands of the Gran Sabana and the eastern tepuis (table mountains) of the Roraima Range, as well as the sandstone plateau of Chimantá and Auyán-Tepui and the north-western Canaima lowlands. A main road from Ciudad Bolívar runs along the eastern border of the park, bisecting its south-east corner. There are no other metalled roads within the park, the western section being accessible only by air.

Nature conservation values The Guayana Shield, formed some 600 million years ago, exhibits an extraordinary geomorphology produced by weathering processes. The Gran Sabana is an undulating plateau between 800m and 1500m, from which rise the tepuis up to 2000m above the plateau. The tepuis are flat-topped mountains with almost 90ð1 slopes. There are numerous waterfalls, including Angel Falls, the world's highest with a free fall of 1002m. The high degree of endemism found on the summits of the tepuis has led to the recognition of Pantepui as a unique biogeographical entity. For example, Pantepui is home to 35-40 endemic bird species, most of which occur within the park.

Cultural and social values The park protects the headwaters of the Caroní River which supplies Guri, the country's largest hydroelectric power station and source of 60% of the nation's energy. The park is sparsely inhabited, mostly by indigenous people and with less than one person per kmð5. The forests and savannas have been occupied for centuries by various groups of Amerindians of the Carib family, collectively known as the Pemón. Many Pemón maintain traditional lifestyles of swidden agriculture, hunting and gathering. They also trade tools and artifacts. The park currently receives 100,000 visitors per year.

Reasons for classification as II (National Park) Canaima is an exceptionally beautiful natural landscape, centred on the Guayana Shield, with its unique and fragile geological, biological and cultural features. As one of the largest national parks in the Neotropics, it is of sufficient size to conserve ecosystems representative of the Guayana Shield. It is protected, with legal provisions for research, education and recreation, and rights granted to the indigenous inhabitants.

National designation Kakadu was established as a national park in three successive stages from 1979 to 1987, with additions in 1989 and 1991, under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1975. Approximately one-third of the 2,027,710ha is owned by two Aboriginal Land Trusts, although this is leased to the Australian Nature Conservation Agency for management as a national park. The rest of the park is owned by the Federal Government.

Legal basis of management The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act provides the primary legal basis for the protection of natural regions, scenery, flora and fauna for scientific, educational and recreational purposes, although six other legal instruments are relevant to the park.

In situ management Management is overseen by the Australian Nature Conservation Agency and a Board of Management with an Aboriginal majority. Consultation with the traditional Aboriginal landowners is extensive. The general management principles are: to allow the Aboriginal landowners to exercise their rights; to conserve natural and cultural features; to provide for public appreciation without conflicting with the first two principles; and to promote the park's values to visitors.

Geography Situated between Wildman and East Alligator rivers in the Northern Territory, Kakadu lies 200km east of Darwin. Conditions range from a wet coastal belt facing the Van Diemen Gulf to a drier interior.

Nature conservation values Kakadu supports a significant fraction of Australia's flora and fauna, with more than 51 mammal, 275 bird, 75 reptile, 25 frog and over 55 freshwater and estuarine fish species. This extremely rich fauna includes 33% of Australia's bird species and 25% of its fish species. The wetlands are an important wintering habitat for non-breeding Asiatic waders. Over 1000 species of plants, representing 13 communities, have been recorded in preliminary surveys.

Cultural and social values The area is outstanding in the antiquity and quality of its 1000 archaeological sites, some dating back 25,000 years. Approximately 3000 rock art sites have been located so far, but it is estimated that there are double this number of such sites in the park. Excavated sites have revealed evidence of the earliest human settlement in Australia and the world's oldest evidence for the technology of edge-ground axes; occupation appears to date back some 69,000 years. Many sites continue to hold religious significance for the Aboriginal people. Visitors may exceed 40,000 in peak months.

Reasons for classification as II (National park) Kakadu's spectacular landscape reflects Australia's historic interactions with New Guinea and Asia, resulting in an exceptionally diverse flora and fauna. The area is relatively pristine and includes a complete river system and representative landforms, habitats and associated species, all of which are protected for scientific, educational and recreational purposes. Kakadu is an important Aboriginal site; provision is made for Aboriginal landowners to continue to exercise their rights.

National designation Ras Mohammed was notified as a national marine park under Decree No. 1067 in 1983. Subsequently, in 1989, it was classified as a national park and extended to 61,500ha to encompass Tiran Island, becoming the largest marine park in the region.

Legal basis of management The site is protected under Presidential Law concerning Natural Protectorates No. 102, 1983 and Decree No. 1067, 1983. Hunting and fishing are prohibited, as is the removal of any material from the park, or the construction of buildings or roads.

In situ management has increased in intensity and effectiveness since 1988, based on a series of management plans. Parts of the park are closed to the public, while areas accessible by road or close to boat moorings are designated for intensive visitor use. Following considerable initial investments, the park is now becoming self-financing through a system of entrance fees. There are a number of full-time, highly qualified rangers, equipped with vehicles and boats. Camping is restricted to one small site.

Geography Ras Mohammed lies at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The terrestrial area is dominated by raised fossil reefs ranging in age from 20 million to 75,000 years. Offshore are the shallow waters (95m) of the Gulf of Suez to the west and the 1800m deep Gulf of Aqaba to the north-east. Fringing coral reefs encircle most of the site, and in a number of places the reef front is vertical or overhangs for at least 100m. Tiran Island is dominated by arid mountains, with small areas of salt marsh on the coastline. Fringe reefs again dominate the coastline, with four large patch reefs in the Tiran Straits. Tides and strong currents occur in the 70-1000m wide channels between the reefs and islands.

Nature conservation values Ras Mohammed is a rich and vulnerable marine environment, representing one of the few protected coral reefs and mangrove forests in the region. An interesting and unusual feature is the relationship between pelagic fish communities and typical northern Red Sea coral reef communities in the deep offshore waters. Tiran and it neighbouring islands possess the world's second largest colony of osprey.

Cultural and social values For centuries the Bedouins have used the area for fishing although few, if any, still fish within the confines of the park. The park is uninhabited and now being developed for tourism, particularly diving activities. Tens of thousands of tourists visit the park annually from nearby towns, most of whom snorkel or dive to see the coral reefs.

Reasons for classification as II (National Park) Ras Mohammed is an important coastal site, incorporating large areas of diverse fringing coral reefs typical of the northern Red Sea. It also features one of the most northerly mangrove communities in the western Indo-Pacific. Large and uninhabited, the park is legally protected and provides for recreation.

National designation The summits of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu were constituted as New Zealand's first national park in 1894, the central volcano area having previously been gifted to the government in 1887. The Tongariro National Park Act, 1922 provides for the establishment of the park, which currently covers 79,596ha of government-owned land.

Legal basis of management Under the National Parks Act, 1980 Tongariro is to be preserved in as natural a state as possible, but with provision for public access.

In situ management The principal management goals are: to preserve the natural scenery and resources; to promote an appreciation of nature and cultural and historic values; and to provide for recreation. The park is zoned into natural environment, two wilderness zones, three service areas and some 18 sites of unique biological or geological interest. Ski-field development has been restricted by zoning. Maori interests are represented by a permanent seat on the Tongariro/Taupo National Parks & Reserves Board. Native flora have been reduced or eliminated by exotic herbivores such as red deer and possum. Invasive lodgepole pine threatened to convert native plant communities into forest but control measures have been taken.

Geography Tongariro occupies the central volcanic plateau of North Island in the Tongariro and Wanganui regions. The park boundary encircles the Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro mountain massif at an altitude of 500-1550m. An outlier, 3km north of the main park area and separated from it by Lake Rotoaira, includes Lake Rotopounamu, Mount Pihanga and Mount Kakaramea.

Nature conservation values The crater lake on Ruapehu is unique due to its high frequency of eruption and glacial setting. It is an excellent example of the interaction of magma and lake water. The park also protects deposits from the Taupo eruption 1800 years ago, the most powerful volcanic eruption ever known. Habitats are diverse, ranging from remnants of rain forest to nearly barren icefields. Podocarp-broadleaf rain forest, beech forest, scrub and tussock are the predominant communities. The vertebrate fauna is restricted to mainly birds, some threatened. Native mammals are represented by two bat species.

Cultural and social values The area has been occupied by Maoris since they first arrived from Polynesia. Ethnic mythology identifies the mountains in the park with 'tupuna' or god-like ancestors. Until the land was given to the nation in 1887, the area was occupied by the Tu Wharetoa. European attempts to introduce sheep farming ceased by the 1920s. Recreation is important to the local economy.

Reasons for classification as II (National Park) Tongariro is one of the most spectacular volcanic sites in the South-West Pacific, with the most frequently active composite volcanoes in the world. The park is protected to preserve its natural scenery and resources, and to provide for recreation.

National designation Waterton Lakes was established as a national park in 1911. It is protected under the National Parks Act, 1930. Land (totalling 50,000ha) is federally owned and under the jurisdiction of Parks Canada, apart from 1648ha of timber reserve managed by the Blood Indian Band. In 1932, Waterton Lakes was combined with Glacier National Park, Montana to become the world's first 'International Peace Park'.

Legal basis of management Under the National Parks Act, Waterton Lakes protects significant biological and archaeological features, while encouraging tourism, local employment opportunities, and scientific research. Industrial activities are prohibited.

In situ management The park is zoned² in accordance with the 1978 management plan. Class I zones comprise the most unique sites, afforded the highest degree of protection. Class II and III zones provide for the preservation of wilderness and natural environments, respectively. Class IV and V zones are reserved for recreation and visitor service centres, respectively. Grazing of livestock, logging and commercial fishing are not allowed in the park.

Geography The park lies on the eastern margin of the Rocky Mountains, Clark and Border ranges, in the south-western corner of Alberta Province. An obvious feature of the park is the sudden transition from prairie to mountain landscape: a contrast which is emphasised by the virtual absence of intervening foothills. The dominant landforms are of glacial origin.

Nature conservation values Waterton Lakes represents a species-rich locale, lying at the intersection of several important floristic regions. Some 870 species of vascular plants, 182 bryophytes and 218 lichens have been recorded. The small area of grasslands is one of only a few good examples protected in the Canadian national parks system. Waterton Lakes is noted for its abundance of wildlife, and features seasonal migrations of large ungulates.

Cultural and social values Waterton Lakes is one of the most significant archaeological areas in Alberta, with over 200 sites identified. A heavily-used resort town lies within the park. In 1986, more than 500,000 people visited the park.

Reasons for classification as II (National Park) Together with the contiguous Glacier National Park in Montana, U.S.A., Waterton Lakes protects an important ecological unit while providing for tourism.

²These zones (Class I-V) bear no relation to the IUCN Protected Area Management Categories described in these guidelines.

Kruger is a vast area of arid and semi-arid habitat types, covering 1,948,528ha. Under the National Parks Act No. 57, 1976, the natural environment of the park is protected from disturbance. The park supports an active research programme, with excellent facilities, and provides for recreation on a large scale. The management plan provides for conservation, education, and recreation services within zoned areas. To minimise threats from outside the park, fences are maintained along the boundary.

Sagarmatha is a large (114,800ha), ecologically discrete unit of geological, biological and cultural importance. Geologically one of the most interesting regions in the world, with outstanding scenic and wilderness qualities, it includes the world's highest peak, Mt Everest. Under the National Parks and Wildlife

Conservation Act, 1973, Sagarmatha is designated for conservation, management and utilisation of its plants, animals and landscape. Prohibited activities include damage to plants or animals, residence and livestock grazing. Management is directed towards watershed protection to safeguard the wildlife and the interests of the resident Sherpas, as well as those communities living further downstream. The park is zoned into undisturbed cores and other areas, which provide for tourism and sustainable resource use by the indigenous Sherpas. The 63 Sherpa enclaves within the park are exempt from park regulations. Agro-pastoralism is still practised, but goats have been removed from the park to minimise overgrazing. Tourism is now an integral part of the local economy. A Park Advisory Committee provides a mechanism for residents to participate in the park's management.

The park lies in the Tatra Mountains, relatively young (late-Tertiary) and part of the Carpathian Range. It features a mix of species, some endemic, from northern and southern Europe. Covering 74,111ha and established as a national park under the Slovak National Council Act, 1948. Tatransky is protected under the State Nature Conservancy Act, Law 1/SNR 1955 as an area valued for its natural resources and recreational importance, and little influenced by human activities. The legislation provides for zoning, with recreational development restricted to a controlled area. Hunting is prohibited. Over 50% of the land is owned by the government, the rest is under municipal, private and church ownership. About 4,000 people reside within three villages inside the park. Part of the core area was traditionally used for pastoralism. The main pressure today is from the four million annual visitors. Park management has developed strong research and public education programmes.

Lying in the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone is a volcanic plateau and contains the world's largest and most spectacular collection of 3000 thermal features. Established by an act of Congress in 1872 as the world's first national park, it presently covers an area of 898,349ha, most of which is pristine wilderness. Under the National Park Service Act, 1916, Yellowstone's outstanding scenery and natural resources are conserved, while providing for public access and enjoyment. The park is divided into natural, historic and development zones. A fire management plan was adopted in 1976, policy being to allow natural fires to burn throughout 70% of the park. Some 3 million people visit Yellowstone each year. The 300 people involved in scientific research and park management reside within the park.