Regional Approaches to Planning for Protected Areas and Conservation‪.‬

Abstract The perceived roles of protected areas have evolved over time, and now include conservation of biodiversity, enhancing quality of human life and playing a key role in sustainability. In this context setting aside individual parks, the traditional approach, is limited for a number of reasons. In brief, protected areas are often too small, too isolated and too fragmented to protect the values for which they were originally designated. Regional and other newer approaches to planning are required if protected areas are to fulfill their potential.