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Protected landscapes and seascapes would not exist without the deeply rooted cultural and spiritual values held by the people that once inhabited these places and who very often continue to care for them. In fact, protected landscapes and seascapes could be seen as one of the most striking outward manifestations of the intangible values inherent in cultural heritage. Unlike other values, such as agro biodiversity or ecosystem services, which are relevant to many protected landscapes, cultural and spiritual values are fundamental in the very strictest sense of the word.

Protected areas of one sort or another cover about 10 per cent of the world's land surface; the large majority were established in the second part of the twentieth century. Although most were originally set up to protect landscape values, wildlife or more recently biodiversity, they are increasingly expected in addition to provide wider benefits to human society.