Objectives: To protect and preserve those ecosystems which are fragile, vulnerable or of unique natural value, and flora and fauna threatened by depletion and extinction. Summary of provisions: The area to which the Protocol applies is defined in article I. Parties are to establish parks, reserves, flora and fauna sanctuaries or other protected areas. In these areas, integration management is to be applied. Any activity liable to have adverse effects on the ecosystem, flora and fauna or their habitat, is to be prohibited (arts. II and V). Parties agree to exchange information on such areas (art. III), to adopt common criteria for their establishment (art. IV), to co-operate, and to develop assistance programmes (art. X). Buffer zones are to be established around them (art. VI). Article VII provides for extensive measures to prevent, reduce and control environmental deterioration in protected areas, including pollution. Parties agree to undertake environmental impact assessments, and to promote scientific and technical research, environmental education and community participation (art. VIII and IX). Institutional mechanisms: The General Secretariat of the Permanent Commission for the South Pacific (CPPS) is appointed as Executive Secretariat of the Protocol for the purposes of administering and implementing it (art. XV).