Protected and conserved areas are a cornerstone of global conservation efforts, they protect biodiversity, restore degraded landscapes and provide ecological services and livelihood opportunities as well as being a place for people to reconnect with nature. However, there are also concerns about unfair outcomes for people affected by protected area declarations, which include social justice and human rights issues. Recent reports from the United Nations Special Rapporteurs have highlighted the breadth of these issues, particularly with regard to Indigenous Peoples and local communities.