Criteria and methodology

The criteria for the IPA project have been developed over a period of over ten years by a process of consultation involving specialists from many countries.

The identification of IPAs is based on three broad criteria:

A. THREATENED SPECIES
B. BOTANICAL RICHNESS
C. THREATENED HABITATS

These criteria have global applications:

A: The site holds significant populations of species of global or regional concern
B: The site has exceptionally rich flora in a regional context in relation to its biogeographic zone
C: The site is an outstanding example of a habitat type of global or regional importance.

A site qualifies as an IPA if it fulfils one or more of these criteria.

For further information, download Identifying and protecting the world's Important Plant Areas

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Identifying and protecting the world's Important Plant Areas

An important principle of the IPA process is that the global criteria and methodology are reviewed at regional level. This ensures that they are appropriate and adequate in addressing regional conservation issues, including aspects such as legislative and political framework, natural environment and regional and local expertise. Therefore, the criteria are being further defined for application in different world regions.

English (PDF 1.09mb)
Francais/French (PDF 190kb)
Espagnol/Spanish (PDF 528 kb)

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Cover of Identifying Important Plant Areas

Identifying IPAs in Europe

In Europe the criteria and methodology to identify IPAs have been defined in more detail. There are recognised sources for threatened species and habitats and a method of comparing botanical and species richness. Thresholds for the number of sites that can qualify for particular species and habitats have also been developed.

To read more about IPA criteria and methods in Europe, download the following publications:

English (PDF 1.2mb)
French / Français (PDF 191kb)
Russian / nopyccku (PDF 765 kb)
Slovak / Slovencina (PDF 676 kb)
Spanish / Espagnol (PDF 529 kb)

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Identifying IPAs in southern Africa

The IPA criteria are currently being refined for southern Africa by SABONET - the Southern African Botanical Diversity Network. A consultation document is currently undergoing consultation as a result of a regional IPA workshop in May 2004.
Download the DRAFT IPA criteria for southern Africa - consultation document (PDF 63Kb)

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Identifying IPAs in south-east Asia

In south-east Asia a preliminary workshop to discuss criteria refinement in the region took place in January 2004
Download the draft IPA criteria for SE Asia (PDF 58kb)

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