The core areas consist of existing nature reserves, protected forest habitat and shorelines.

UNESCO: EDUCATION

The core area of Achanakmar-Amarkantak consists of the protected forest land while the buffer zone and the transition area are characterised by forests, agricultural and rehabilitated land and small suburban clusters.

UNESCO: EDUCATION

All the environmental groups in the state would like to see the northern forest protected.

ECONOMIST: Forests

Make your way to Cosmo Velho, where the slightly unnerving cog train to the 710m-high peak known as Corcovado ascends through protected Tijuca National Forest to the Cristo Redentor, one of the most impressive monuments and urban views on earth.

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But the area is part of Epping Forest, which is protected from development.

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Overlooking the Willamette River west of downtown Portland, Forest Park is one of the largest protected wilderness areas inside a US city.

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After the lumber industry depleted local forest, the area became designated a protected national park with a coastline famous for spotting resident beluga whales and other species that migrate here to feed in the nutrient-rich waters.

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By 2015 there will be a complete network of protected areas on at least 12% of the area covered by the Plan Nord as well as 12% of the area of the boreal forest blanket will be dedicated to the creation of the protected area.

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Ms Spelman said it was under Labour that public forest estate was sold without any guarantee that public access rights would be protected.

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