While there are multiple measures that can be effective at reducing ecosystem conversion and degradation, evidence suggests that establishing and expanding the coverage of protected areas is one effective strategy to prevent the conversion and degradation of forests and other land ecosystems and advance forest, sustainable land use, biodiversity, and climate goals. Multiple studies have found that lands designated as protected areas – such as a national parks, wilderness areas, or national monuments – consistently experience lower levels of deforestation and less greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, 16% of the world’s terrestrial ecosystems and inland waters lie within protected areas. 

While there are multiple measures that can be effective at reducing ecosystem conversion and degradation, evidence suggests that establishing and expanding the coverage of protected areas is one effective strategy to prevent the conversion and degradation of forests and other land ecosystems and advance forest, sustainable land use, biodiversity, and climate goals. Multiple studies have found that lands designated as protected areas – such as a national parks, wilderness areas, or national monuments – consistently experience lower levels of deforestation and less greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, 16% of the world’s terrestrial ecosystems and inland waters lie within protected areas.