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A ''special region'' on Mars for the purposes of [[Planetary protection]] is a region classified by COSPAR where terrestrial organisms are likely to propagate, or interpreted to have a high potential for existence of extamtextant Martian life forms.<ref name=MarsSpecialRegions2014>Rummel, J.D., Beaty, D.W., Jones, M.A., Bakermans, C., Barlow, N.G., Boston, P.J., Chevrier, V.F., Clark, B.C., de Vera, J.P.P., Gough, R.V. and Hallsworth, J.E., 2014. [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David_Beaty/publication/268444482_A_new_analysis_of_Mars_Special_Regions_findings_of_the_second_MEPAG_Special_Regions_Science_Analysis_Group_SR-SAG2/links/547c9b0b0cf27ed9786229dd.pdf A new analysis of Mars “special regions”: findings of the second MEPAG Special Regions Science Analysis Group (SR-SAG2)].</ref><REF>COSPAR. (2011)COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy[20October 2002, as amended to 24 March 2011], COSPAR,Paris.</REF><ref name="ESA">[http://exploration.esa.int/mars/43615-exomars-planetary-protection/ Planetary protection for ExoMars], ESA {{Quote|''!The ExoMars mission is classified as Planetary Protection Category IVb based on the mission objectives to search for life on Mars and in agreement with the COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy. The ExoMars mission does not intend to access a Mars special region.
 
(A special region is considered to be "... a region within which terrestrial organisms are likely to propagate, or a region which is interpreted to have a high potential for the existence of extant Martian life forms. Given current understanding, this applies to regions where liquid water is present or may occur." (Reference: COSPAR 2002 & 2005, NASA, 2005))"''}}</ref>. . Based on current understanding, this includes any region with a high enough temperature for Earth organisms to propagate (above -18°C), and with water in a form accessible to them (water activity higher than 0.6) {{refn|name=special_region_def|(see section 7.1.1. Recommended organism-based parameters defin-ing the limits of life, and the requirements for Mars Special Regions, page 940 of<ref name=MarsSpecialRegions2014/>)
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