Protected areas are the cornerstone for maintaining biodiversity. These are geographically delimited — but not necessarily closed — areas dedicated to the long-term protection and conservation of biodiversity, its ecosystem services and associated cultural values, in particular through sustainable management. Almost all the themes dealt with during COP10 have links to this issue. Protected areas are a critical measure in limiting the loss of biodiversity in forests, marine and coastal areas, and freshwater areas. They also help in the fight against poverty, by guaranteeing millions of people a place to live, clean water and food.