U.S. Database of World Heritage and Other Protected Area Images

Artificial Color Image of Area Around Mt. Kenya

The Global Land Cover Facility of the University of Maryland maintains The World Database of Protected Areas.

The WDPA Consortium provides a focal point through which information and ideas are both pooled and shared. The Consortium members through their own projects and programmes and by tapping into a network of in-country expertise, perform a vital information-gathering role. After such information has been entered into the WDPA, the Consortium provide a quality control function by cross checking/evaluating data holdings and suggesting improvements.

The areas covered include:

• UNESCO World Heritage Natural and Mixed Sites
• UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves
• Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar)
• ASEAN Heritage Declaration Sites
• International Maritime Organization (IMO) Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas

as well as sites designated within many individual countries.