This is the first of a series of blogs which walk even the most cyber-phobic user through SAPAA’s website. SAPAA has an online presence to help Alberta’s Protected Areas. But first, what is the role and reason for SAPAA having a website?

Why Do We Need a Website?

A website may seem obvious but understanding the role it plays in SAPAA’s mission is less so. The site does at least three things.

1. Educate and Communicate. The site amalgamates a unique set of information not available elsewhere:
   • The legal framework for Protected Areas
   • Online maps of protected areas, and
   • Detailed description of each of the areas including site reports when available.
2. Collaborate and Share Knowledge. Information sharing so far is from the website to the reader, but comment fields accept observations and field notes. SAPAA also welcomes guest bloggers.
3. Report and Monitor. In the future, the site can better support reports and monitor functions for the Protected Areas. We are not there yet but stay tuned!

The Means, Not the End

The next few blogs will provide an overview and a tour of a typical Protected Area site page. Before we get started, a timely reminder and a question:

As a reminder, SAPAA exists to support the Stewards of Protected Areas. The website is just one tool to do this.

Toward this goal, what are your thoughts on the new site? Do you have suggestions to improve it or would you like to help to build it, drop us a line or leave a comment below.