Category Ia

Aldabra Atoll National Park and World Heritage Site: Seychelles

Strictly protected to conserve biodiversity and geodiversity, where human visitation is controlled. Reference sites for research and monitoring.

Should generally be :- Ecologically intact- Free of human disturbance- Managed for low visitation- Capable of surviving without intervention- Suitable for baseline monitoring

Aldabra Atoll National Park and World Heritage Site: Seychelles

Category Ib

Imfolozi Wilderness Area, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Usually large unmodified / slightly modified areas, retaining natural character and influence, without permanent or significant human habitation, managed to preserve their natural condition

Should generally- Be free of modern infrastructure and agriculture- Have intact species and ecology- Be large enough to protect biodiversity- Avoid inappropriate and excessive human use- Offer outstanding wilderness experience

Imfolozi Wilderness Area, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam

Category II

Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam

Natural areas protecting large-scale ecological processes with characteristic species and ecosystems. Also provide spiritual, scientific, educational and recreational opportunities

Should generally- Contain examples of major natural regions- Be large enough to maintain ecosystems - Be in a natural or near-natural state- Inform and excite visitors about conservation

Category III

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: United States

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: United States

Protecting a natural monument – a landform, sea mount, geological feature or even a living feature like an ancient grove – with high visitor value.

Should generally contain one or more of: - Natural geological / geomorphological features- Culturally-influenced natural features- Natural-cultural sites – e.g. sacred groves- Cultural sites with important ecology

Island of Vilm, Germany

Category IV

Island of Vilm, Germany

Protecting particular species or habitats. Many will need regular management to meet the needs of species or habitats, but this is not a requirement.

Should address one or more of the following: - Protection of particular species / habitats- Active management to maintain target species- Management of natural/semi natural habitats- Management of culturally-defined ecosystems

Category V

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, UK

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, UK

Protecting the distinct ecological, biological, cultural and scenic values created by a long-term interaction of people and nature

Should generally have: - A high quality landscape or seascape- A balanced interaction of people and nature- Unique or traditional management patterns

Category VI

Mamiraua Sustainable Development Reserve, Brazil

Mamiraua Sustainable Development Reserve, Brazil

Protecting generally large ecosystems & habitats, mostly in a more-or-less natural condition, where a proportion use sustainable, non-industrial, natural resource management as a means to conservation

Should generally: - Promote sustainable resource use - Aim to conserve ecosystems and habitats - Retain a substantial area in a natural condition- Help to maintain local community livelihoods