The CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas is more than just a set of demands. It is a framework for co-operation between governments, donors, NGOs and local people. Over 50 countries are involved in multi-stakeholder co-ordination mechanisms to support PoWPA implementation. Whether this co-operation takes places at the national or regional level is probably less important than the fact that co-operation is taking place at all. Although there is still a huge amount to be done, this review suggests that despite emerging at a fairly inauspicious time for conservation, PoWPA has indeed galvanised action and co-operation on protected areas throughout the world