𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 are areas that are strictly protected and designated free from any human activity. It includes first growth forest, residual forest, edges of intact forest, areas above 1,000 meters elevation, peaks of mountains, or other areas with very steep gradients.

It also includes endangered habitats and habitats or sanctuaries for endangered and rare species, selected coral reefs, seagrass and mangrove ecosystem reserves.

Areas are declared as core zones to preserve sensitive or critical habitats, endangered species and unique ecosystems both in the terrestrial and marine zones.