Who can propose a site?
Anyone with appropriate biodiversity data can propose a site as a KBA. Proposals must be supported by consultation with a wide range of stakeholders at the national level, including both governmental and non-governmental organisations. This collaborative approach ensures that proposals reflect local knowledge and priorities.
Proposal and review process
- Data collection and analysis by technical experts
Proposers collect and synthesize information on qualifying elements (species or ecosystems) from peer-reviewed literature, reputable websites, and conservation projects. - Stakeholder Consultation
Throughout the process, consultation with relevant stakeholders is required and must be documented in the proposal. - Proposal Submission
Proposers submit their site proposals through the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas (WDKBA) online platform. The system guides users through the process and automatically assesses whether the site meets one or more KBA criteria based on the data provided. - Independent Review
Every proposal undergoes an independent scientific review to verify that the KBA criteria and thresholds have been correctly applied and that the site boundaries are appropriate. - Official Nomination
After successful review, the proposal is formally nominated to the KBA Secretariat with complete documentation that meets the Documentation Standards for KBAs. - Confirmation and Publication
The KBA Secretariat conducts a final check before confirming the site’s status as a KBA. Confirmed sites are then published in the World Database of KBAs and KBA Dashboard, making them publicly accessible.
