A Global Register of Competences for Protected Area Practitioners
As the global coverage of protected areas approaches 20% of the land surface and 10% of the sea surface, more and more individuals, agencies and communities are responsible for safeguarding the planet’s natural and associated cultural heritage. Managing protected areas is becoming more demanding and more diverse. Today’s managers, staff and stewards are expected to:
- Protect species, habitats and ecosystems;
- Maintain ecosystem services, vital for local and national economies;
- Support local sustainable development and use of natural resources;
- Provide opportunities for tourism and recreation;
- Promote equitable forms of governance;
- Adopt entrepreneurial approaches for generating vitally needed funding;
- Argue the case for protected areas in government legislative and decision-making processes; and
- Manage large, complex organisations and work in partnership with other sectors.
