The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) notes:Â
"Globally, there are two widely accepted definitions of a protected area that are considered equivalent The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines a protected area as 'a geographically defined area which is designated or regulated and managed to achieve specific conservation objectives', and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) describes a protected area as 'a clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values'."Â
As of May 2025, the Marae Moana, a multiple-use marine protected area in the Cook Islands, was the largest protected area in the world, spanning almost **square kilometers. Second in the ranking was the French Southern Territories National Nature Reserve, reaching *** million km2.
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UNEP. (May 12, 2025). Largest protected areas worldwide as of May 2025 (in square kilometers) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 23, 2026, from /statistics/1613603/largest-national-parks-continents-worldwide/
UNEP. "Largest protected areas worldwide as of May 2025 (in square kilometers)." Chart. May 12, 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 23, 2026. /statistics/1613603/largest-national-parks-continents-worldwide/
UNEP. (2025). Largest protected areas worldwide as of May 2025 (in square kilometers). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 23, 2026. /statistics/1613603/largest-national-parks-continents-worldwide/
UNEP. "Largest Protected Areas Worldwide as of May 2025 (in Square Kilometers)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 12 May 2025, /statistics/1613603/largest-national-parks-continents-worldwide/
UNEP, Largest protected areas worldwide as of May 2025 (in square kilometers) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1613603/largest-national-parks-continents-worldwide/ (last visited July 23, 2026)
Largest protected areas worldwide as of May 2025 (in square kilometers) [Graph], UNEP, May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1613603/largest-national-parks-continents-worldwide/
