User:ZeLonewolf/Protected area
The purpose of this page is to sketch out a high-level approach concept towards refactoring boundary=protected_area and protect_class=*.
Definitions
A break-down of "what belongs where" in protected area and related tagging.
Protected Area
A protected area is an area of land or sea that is legally, contractually, or declaratively protected from unconstrained human use, activity and/or 
development. Protected areas area designated by the tag boundary=protected_area. Categories of protected areas include:
- Conservation areas - Areas protected in order to preserve nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.
- Recreation areas - Areas protected in order to provide an enduring space for human recreation
The following types of protected areas are already defined by existing tagging:
- National Park - See boundary=national_park
- Indigenous Lands - See boundary=aboriginal_lands
Hazard Area
A hazard area is a designated area that contains hazards to human health or safety. Hazardous areas are designated with the tag boundary=hazard. Examples of hazard areas include:
- Chemical contaminated area - tagged with hazard=chemical
- Radiological contaminated area - tagged with hazard=nuclear
- Physical hazard - Includes areas with fall, collapse, or falling object hazards. tagged with hazard=physical
The following types of protected areas are already defined by existing tagging:
- Military hazards / unexploded ordnance - military=danger_area
Economic Zone
- A exclusive economic zone is tagged with the existing tag boundary=maritime.
- A special economic zone is tagged with the proposed tag boundary=special_economic_zone.