A paper park is an area with designated environmental or conservation protection status, but with little actual implementation of environmental management or protection measures.[1][2] This can stem from process or governance issues, or from weak regulations and lack of enforcement.[3]

Background

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A 2020 report by NGO Oceana revealed that many European Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) function as "paper parks," offering minimal real protection. Of the 3,449 Natura 2000 MPAs assessed, 70% faced at least one significant threat, with some sites in the Netherlands and the UK experiencing up to 12 threats. Only 0.07% of the total MPA network was free from any assessed threats, while 86% of the network was impacted by damaging fishing gear.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Relano, Veronica; Pauly, Daniel (2023-05-01). "The 'Paper Park Index': Evaluating Marine Protected Area effectiveness through a global study of stakeholder perceptions". Marine Policy. 151: 105571. doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2023.105571. ISSN 0308-597X.
  2. ^ Slezak, Michael. "Conservation report reinforces fears over 'paper parks'". New Scientist. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
  3. ^ "Oceans are in trouble, IPCC says. Why are marine protections falling short?". Environment. 2019-09-25. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
  4. ^ "New study reveals extent of European marine paper parks: 96% allow destructive activities inside their boundaries". Oceana Europe. Retrieved 2024-09-26.