Notification 2026-066

Dear Sir or Madam,

In decisions 15/4 and 15/5, the Conference of the Parties adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and its monitoring framework. This includes Target 3 and headline indicator 3.1 on the coverage of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Through these decisions, Parties agreed to monitor progress towards the Goals and Targets of the Framework. The primary global databases used for monitoring protected areas and OECMs under indicator 3.1 is the World Database on Protected and Conserved Areas (WDPCA). This database is also the data source for the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals 15.1.2, 15.4.1 and 14.5.1. 

Parties are invited to provide updated data and information to the WDPCA (formerly the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) and the World Database on Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (WD-OECM)). This is especially relevant as many of the national reports noted that more up-to-date data is available at the national level than those currently reflected in the WDPCA. Reducing discrepancies between data at the national and global levels is key to achieving a consistent and comprehensive understanding of progress towards Target 3 as well as SDGs 14 and 15.

Parties are encouraged to provide any updated information on protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) as soon as possible, and no later than 30 November 2026. Kindly note that geospatial data submitted after the deadline will not be included in the report; however, a description of the discrepancies between the national reports and the WDPCA will still be included.

This request builds on previous communications from UNEP-WCMC, which included guidance on how to provide data. For the submission of data updates and any queries, please contact UNEP-WCMC directly at pca@unep-wcmc.org.

I thank you for your cooperation and your continued support for the work of the Convention. 

Please accept, Sir, Madam, the assurances of my highest consideration.

(Signed) Astrid Schomaker

 Executive Secretary