What are the different types of protected areas?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has six categories of protected area, which are also recognised by the United Nations and many national governments. These include:

1. Strict Nature Reserve / Wilderness Area
2. National Park
3. Natural Monument or Feature
4. Habitat/Species Management Area
5. Protected Landscape/Seascape
6. Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources

These different categories signify different levels of restrictions on the rights and activities local communities.