Private conservation is an ever-expanding tool in the fight against the unrelenting exploitation of Earth's natural resources. The need for private conservation stems from governments’ lack of effective means to protect resources within national park systems from common threats, such as poachers, land squatters, resource extraction and other illegal activities. Individuals, non-governmental organizations and private companies are leading the charge to protect the last remaining untouched areas. This charge has lead to the creation of large numbers of Private Protected Areas (PPAs) in Africa and Latin America. With so many PPAs now in existence, information on numbers and effectiveness are needed.

What does the Private Reserves Network do?

The Private Reserves Network looks to gather as much information about PPAs as possible. By establishing the first international network of private protected areas, PRN looks to provide an alternative and innovative method for private landowners and conservation organizations to interchange information on best management practices with the use of Web 2.0 Blogging Software. As PRN continues to develop, more tools and services are added with the purpose of improving and expanding private conservation worldwide. Information on the Private Reserves Network members can be found by using our Park Finder and flipping through our ParkPages.