Urban protected areas. Profiles and best practice guidelines

Urban protected areas are important because they:

• Offer opportunities to learn about nature and sustainability.
• Provide ecosystem services.
• Bolster resilience to climate change.
• Contribute to green infrastructure within cities.
• Support the local economy with income from tourism.

This volume provides guidelines on the management approaches that are especially relevant to urban protected areas, inlcuding climate change considerations. Since these areas, and the political and social contexts in which they reside, vary greatly, it does not provide detailed recommendations, but instead it: sets out general guidelines; offers examples of problems, opportunities and solutions; and lists sources of further information and assistance.

The two urban protected areas considered in Europe are:

• Calanques National Park, Marseille (France)
• London Wetland Centre, London (United Kingdom)