A clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effec ve means, to achieve the long-term conserva on of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. The defini on is expanded by six management categories (one with a subdivision), summarized below. Ia Strict nature reserve: Strictly protected for biodiversity and also possibly geological/ geomorphological features, where human visita on, use and impacts are controlled and limited to ensure protec on of the conserva on values. Ib Wilderness area: Usually large unmodified or slightly modified areas, retaining their natural character and influence, without permanent or significant human habita on, protected and managed to preserve their natural condi on. II Na onal park: Large natural or near-natural areas protec ng large-scale ecological processes with characteris c species and ecosystems, which also have environmentally and culturally compa ble spiritual, scien fic, educa onal, recrea onal and visitor opportuni es. III Natural monument or feature: Areas set aside to protect a specific natural monument, which can be a landform, sea mount, marine cavern, geological feature such as a cave, or a living feature such as an ancient grove. IV Habitat/species management area: Areas to protect par cular species or habitats, where management reflects this priority. Many will need regular, ac ve interven ons to meet the needs of par cular species or habitats, but this is not a requirement of the category. V Protected landscape or seascape: Where the interac on of people and nature over me has produced a dis nct character with significant ecological, biological, cultural and scenic value: and where safeguarding the integrity of this interac on is vital to protec ng and sustaining the area and its associated nature conserva on and other values. VI Protected areas with sustainable use of natural resources: Areas which conserve ecosystems, together with associated cultural values and tradi onal natural resource management systems. Generally large, mainly in a natural condi on, with a propor on under sustainable natural resource management and where low-level non-industrial natural resource use compa ble with nature conserva on is seen as one of the main aims. PARKS is published electronically twice a year by IUCN's World Commission on Protected Areas. For more informa on see: parksjournal.com PARKS is published to strengthen interna onal collabora on in protected area development and management by: exchanging informa on on prac cal management issues, especially learning from case studies of applied ideas; serving as a global forum for discussing new and emerging issues that relate to protected areas; promo ng understanding of the values and benefits derived from protected areas to communi es, visitors, business etc; ensuring that protected areas fulfill their primary role in nature conserva on while addressing cri cal issues such as ecologically sustainable development, social jus ce and climate change a...