How is the effectiveness of terrestrial protected areas to conserve biodiversity measured? A systematic map

Protected areas (PAs) are fundamental in preserving ecological diversity, supporting ecosystem services, and mitigating human impacts in today’s world. However, the mere designation of PAs is insufficient for achieving conservation goals. It needs to be ensured through employment of robust management practices and the deployment of scientifically sound monitoring methodologies. This systematic map aims to collate and synthesize global evidence on the methods and metrics used to assess the effectiveness of terrestrial PAs in biodiversity conservation. By doing so, we seek to identify the consistency of monitoring schemes across different geographies and determine how well standardized monitoring methods have been adopted. This broad evidence base will not only inform the management and evaluation of PAs within Europe but also contribute to the global discourse on biodiversity conservation, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices.