One of the aims of the Convention on Biodiversity is to establish a global, coherent network of protected areas to conserve both natural biodiversity and important cultural landscapes. The Working Group on Protected Areas was established to further the achievement of this objective. The Working Group supports and monitors implementation of the  Programme of Work on Protected Areas.

A protected area is defined in the Convention on Biodiversity as "a geographically defined area which is designated or regulated and managed to achieve specific conservation objectives".

In many cases, such areas not only conserve natural habitats together with their animal and plant communities, but also help maintain the ecological stability of surrounding regions.

Especially in isolated and less fertile regions, protected areas can provide opportunities for rural development and a source of income and new jobs. They can provide opportunities for nature conservation education, research and environmental monitoring and maintain attractive landscapes for human recreation and tourism for the long term.