Basic data on protected areas are usually available at national level although spatial data and information on protected areas in other governance systems (e.g. private protected areas) may be lacking. Information about status of protected areas is generally less available, although studies and data on these are starting to emerge.

Ideally, three pieces of information are helpful: 

• Distribution: the existence of a protected area network (ideally maps of the location, area and boundaries of all protected areas, including federal, state, municipal and private protected areas)

• Protection status: the management objectives of these areas as indicated by the IUCN management categories

•  Management effectiveness status: the effectiveness of management of protected areas