Protected Land Area Percentage 2018
Protected land area percentage shows the share of a country's land dedicated to conservation and biodiversity.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
- #1
New Caledonia
- #2
Venezuela
- #3
Slovenia
- #4
Bhutan
- #5
Brunei Darussalam
- #6
Turks and Caicos Islands
- #7
Seychelles
- #8
China, Hong Kong SAR
- #9
Greenland
- #10
Luxembourg
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #210
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
- #209
Afghanistan
- #208
Turkey
- #207
Libya
- #206
Lesotho
- #205
Mauritania
- #204
Syrian Arab Republic
- #203
Yemen
- #202
Maldives
- #201
Barbados
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2018, New Caledonia led the world in Protected Land Area Percentage with a remarkable 54.4%, while the global range spanned from a minimum of 1.40% to a maximum of 54.40%. The global average for Protected Land Area Percentage stood at 17.90%, providing a benchmark for conservation efforts worldwide.
Conservation Leaders and Their Strategies
Countries with the highest percentages of protected land demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation and biodiversity. New Caledonia and Venezuela both exceed 54%, reflecting robust conservation policies and the prioritization of biodiversity. In Slovenia, where 53.6% of land is protected, initiatives like the Natura 2000 network contribute significantly to these figures. Bhutan, with 48%, exemplifies a national policy that balances development with environmental preservation, driven by its Gross National Happiness philosophy which prioritizes ecological sustainability.
Challenges in Low Protection Regions
At the opposite end of the spectrum, countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iraq report minimal protected land areas at 1.4% and 1.5%, respectively. These low figures often stem from economic constraints, political instability, and competing land-use priorities. For instance, in Djibouti and Jordan, where protected land is less than 2%, limited financial resources and ongoing socio-economic challenges hinder the expansion of conservation areas.
Economic and Policy Drivers of Protection Levels
The disparities in Protected Land Area Percentages can often be attributed to economic factors and policy choices. In countries like Brunei Darussalam (46.9%) and Seychelles (42.1%), wealth generated from natural resources and tourism supports extensive conservation programs. Conversely, in countries with lower percentages, such as Haiti (1.9%), economic limitations and higher population densities necessitate prioritizing immediate economic growth over long-term environmental goals.
Significant Year-over-Year Changes
Examining year-over-year changes reveals notable shifts in conservation priorities. Cyprus experienced a dramatic increase of 18.70% (100.0%), driven by new environmental legislation and efforts to align with broader European Union conservation standards. Similarly, Paraguay saw a 7.80% (120.0%) increase, reflecting intensified efforts to combat deforestation and preserve biodiversity. On the other hand, Guatemala faced a significant decrease of 11.70% (-36.9%), highlighting challenges in maintaining protected areas amid socio-political pressures and land-use conflicts. Denmark and South Africa also saw reductions of 8.00% (-30.7%) and 6.10% (-43.3%), respectively, possibly due to policy shifts favoring agricultural expansion and urban development.
The data on Protected Land Area Percentage in 2018 underscores the complex interplay between ecological priorities and socio-economic realities across the globe. While some nations lead with extensive conservation areas, others struggle to balance environmental protection with pressing development needs. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering global biodiversity and promoting sustainable land management practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protected Land Area Percentage in 2018
Which country had the highest percentage of protected land area in 2018?
New Caledonia had the highest percentage of protected land area in 2018, with 54.4%.
Which country had the lowest percentage of protected land area in 2018?
Micronesia (Fed. States of) had the lowest percentage of protected land area in 2018, with 0%.
What was the average percentage of protected land area across all countries in 2018?
The average percentage of protected land area across all countries in 2018 was 17.07%.
What was the median percentage of protected land area in 2018?
The median percentage of protected land area in 2018 was 15.4%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for protected land area percentage in 2018?
The top 3 countries for protected land area percentage in 2018 were New Caledonia (54.4%), Venezuela (54.1%), and Slovenia (53.6%).
How many countries were included in the dataset for protected land area percentage in 2018?
The dataset for protected land area percentage in 2018 included 210 countries.
Insights by country
Fiji
In 2018, Fiji ranked #169 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 5.4%. This figure is notably lower than the global average of approximately 15% for protected land areas. The limited protection in Fiji can be attributed to its focus on tourism and agriculture, which often prioritize land development over conservation efforts.
Djibouti
In 2018, Djibouti ranked #198 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 1.6%. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting Djibouti's limited natural resources and arid climate. The country's focus on economic development, particularly in port services and logistics, often prioritizes industrial growth over environmental conservation.
Israel
In 2018, Israel ranked #75 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 19.9 %. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a significant opportunity for expansion in conservation efforts. Factors contributing to this statistic include Israel's high population density and urban development pressures, which prioritize land for housing and agriculture over preservation.
Gibraltar
In 2018, Gibraltar ranked #28 globally for Protected Land Area Percentage, with a value of 32.4 %. This percentage is notably higher than the global average, illustrating Gibraltar's commitment to environmental conservation. The key drivers behind this statistic include its small geographic size, which allows for focused conservation efforts, and a strong local policy framework prioritizing the protection of natural habitats.
Botswana
Botswana ranked #38 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 29.1% in 2018. This figure is notable as it exceeds the global average, reflecting the country's commitment to conservation compared to many nations. Key drivers of this high percentage include Botswana's vast landscapes and a strong policy framework focused on wildlife preservation and eco-tourism, which are vital to its economy.
Kenya
In 2018, Kenya ranked #124 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 12.4%. This figure is below the global average, indicating a need for enhanced conservation efforts compared to top-ranked countries like Bhutan, which boasts over 50% protected land. Key drivers of Kenya's protected land area include its rich biodiversity and the ongoing challenges of balancing economic development with conservation policies, particularly in areas heavily reliant on tourism and agriculture.
Eritrea
Eritrea ranked #170 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 4.9% in 2018. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating limited areas designated for conservation compared to countries with more robust environmental policies.
The low percentage can be attributed to Eritrea's focus on economic development and agricultural expansion, which often prioritizes land use over preservation. Additionally, the country's challenging geographic conditions and limited resources hinder the establishment of protected areas.
Italy
In 2018, Italy ranked #69 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 21.5%. This percentage is relatively high compared to some neighboring countries, reflecting Italy's commitment to preserving its diverse ecosystems. Key drivers behind this statistic include Italy's rich biodiversity, extensive national parks, and strong environmental protection policies that prioritize conservation efforts in both urban and rural areas.
Chad
In 2018, Chad ranked #72 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 20.4%. This percentage is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Chad's commitment to conservation in a region where environmental challenges are significant. The country's diverse ecosystems, including the Sahelian and Saharan landscapes, drive the need for protected areas to safeguard biodiversity and combat desertification.
South Korea
In 2018, South Korea achieved a Protected Land Area Percentage of 11.7 %, ranking #129 out of 210 countries. This figure is below the global average, indicating a limited commitment to land conservation compared to higher-ranking nations. The relatively low percentage can be attributed to South Korea's rapid urbanization and industrial development, which have prioritized economic growth over environmental preservation.
Data Source
Share of land area that is protected | Our World in Data
Our World in Data is an online publication that presents research and data on various global issues, including environmental statistics. The dataset on the share of land area that is protected provides country-level information on the proportion of terrestrial areas designated for conservation.
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