The proposed Castle Wilderness (Canada) and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Mexico) are used to demonstrate the application of a pluridimensional spectrum of governance framework to evaluate the influence of governance on the establishment and management of pro-tected areas. The objectives are to understand (a) the relevant similarities and differences between the two countries, (b) the interactions across governance dimensions, and (c) the factors that influ-ence conservation outcomes. The analysis shows that in both cases protected area governance is affected negatively by weak environmental and economic governance. Public support, funding, and improvements in protected area...