Protected Planet API
A simple API to access
world's protected areas
Important V3 API Depreciation Notice
On the 1st November 2025, the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) and World Database on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (WD-OECM) was merged into a single database. This was to streamline data management processes and simplify how external users access the two datasets, allowing them to identify all reported protected areas and OECMs using a single dataset. Users will be able to easily differentiate between PA and OECM data and filter based on types of sites relevant to their work.
There are some important associated changes that affect how data users interpret and analyse the data. We have also taken the opportunity to change some field names for clarity and to improve the data we provide by adding and removing some fields. All changes are outlined in this document: https://wcmc.io/WDPA_changes_2025
To ensure a smooth transition, v3 of the API will not change and will therefore carry on displaying the old field names. A v4 of the API has been created to reflect the changes outlined above. v3 will be taken down on 1st May 2026 to allow users time to switch to the new version. Please click on the Read the documentation button to view the v4 documentation.