Protected areas, also known as conservation areas, are locations that receive protection because of their recognized natural, ecological, or cultural values. They are defined as clearly defined geographical spaces, recognized, dedicated, and managed through legal or other effective means to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values
. Protected areas are implemented for biodiversity conservation, often providing habitat and protection from hunting for threatened and endangered species. They help maintain ecological processes that cannot survive in most intensely managed landscapes and seascapes. Additionally, they play a crucial role in preserving the benefits that nature brings to people, such as the provision of food and freshwater, the regulation of floods and droughts, nutrient cycling, and recreational opportunities
. Protected areas can take various forms, ranging from strict nature reserves to areas that allow natural resource use, and they are essential for conserving biodiversity, delivering vital ecosystem services, and providing cultural, research, and educational values
