Protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement as a threat to iconic protected areas

Protected areas (PAs) face significant threats from downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD), which can undermine their conservation goals. A study identified 23 enacted or proposed PADDD events within World Natural Heritage Sites, including iconic parks like Virunga National Park. Analyzing four case studies—Yosemite National Park, Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, Yasuní National Park, and Virunga National Park—the research revealed diverse pressures from competing interests and mechanisms enabling PADDD. The study highlights knowledge gaps in tracking development pressures leading to PADDD and its impacts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive regional profiles, improved governance, and policy reforms. Enhanced human and financial capacities are also recommended to support research and mitigate negative consequences, ensuring better global tracking and assessment of PADDD.

Qin, S., Golden Kroner, R. E., Cook, C., Tesfaw, A. T., Braybrook, R., Rodriguez, C. M., Poelking, C., & Mascia, M. B. (2019). Protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement as a threat to iconic protected areas. Conservation Biology, 33(6), 1275–1285. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13365