to maintain genetic resources in a dynamic and evolutionary state;

to maintain established ecological processes;

to safeguard structural landscape features or rock exposures;

to secure examples of the natural environment for scientific studies, environmental monitoring and education, including baseline areas from which all avoidable access is excluded;

to minimize disturbance by careful planning and execution of research and other approved activities; and

to limit public access.

The area should be large enough to ensure the integrity of its ecosystems and to accomplish the management objectives for which it is protected.

The area should be significantly free of direct human intervention and capable of remaining so.

The conservation of the area's biodiversity should be achievable through protection and not require substantial active management or habitat manipulation (c.f. Category IV).