This technical briefing note provides support to interpret the protected areas text within IFC PS6 (paragraph 20) on Legally Protected and Internationally Recognised Areas. The document discusses the types of protected areas and biodiversity designations mentioned in this paragraph and provides a short background on each one. The relevance of these sites to Natural and Critical Habitat as defined by PS6 is also considered.

The Proteus Technical Briefing Note series supports the application and interpretation of biodiversity data and information by the extractive sector. Technical briefing notes are developed in the context of the Proteus Partnership, a collaboration between leading extractive companies and UNEP-WCMC to strengthen business approaches for biodiversity management.