Protected Areas and World Heritage Programme

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Protected Areas and World Heritage Programme

Guidelines for Protected Area Management Categories

 

 

CATEGORY III

 

Natural Monument: protected area managed mainly for conservation
of specific natural features

Definition

Area containing one, or more, specific natural or natural/cultural feature which is of outstanding or unique value because of its inherent rarity, representative or aesthetic qualities or cultural significance.

Objectives of Management

  • to protect or preserve in perpetuity specific outstanding natural features because of their natural significance, unique or representational quality, and/or spiritual connotations;

  • to an extent consistent with the foregoing objective, to provide opportunities for research, education, interpretation and public appreciation;

  • to eliminate and thereafter prevent exploitation or occupation inimical to the purpose of designation; and

  • to deliver to any resident population such benefits as are consistent with the other objectives of management.

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Guidance for Selection

  • The area should contain one or more features of outstanding significance (appropriate natural features include spectacular waterfalls, caves, craters, fossil beds, sand dunes and marine features, along with unique or representative fauna and flora; associated cultural features might include cave dwellings, cliff-top forts, archaeological sites, or natural sites which have heritage significance to indigenous peoples).

  • The area should be large enough to protect the integrity of the feature and its immediately related surroundings.

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Organizational Responsibility

Ownership and management should be by the national government or, with appropriate safeguards and controls, by another level of government, council of indigenous people, non-profit trust, corporation or, exceptionally, by a private body, provided the long-term protection of the inherent character of the area is assured before designation.

Equivalent Category in 1978 System

Natural Monument / Natural Landmark

 
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