Attaining Global Conservation Goal of Protecting 30% of the Planet by 2030 is Feasible

The worldwide ambition of conserving 30% of Earth’s land and ocean by 2030, part of the global conservation goals, is attainable, but requires an escalation in actions by governments.

A comprehensive review of the policy published this week reveals that about 20% of terrestrial and inland waters are already under protection. The report highlights that existing commitments would extend this protection to 27% by 2030, which is just below the desired global goal.

“We are witnessing significant progress,” expressed Brian O’Donnell, the director of Campaign for Nature. “National efforts have led to an expansion in both protected and conserved areas globally, which includes the preservation of essential ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and mangroves.”

Nonetheless, the Global Assessment 30×30 report indicates that maritime conservation efforts are lagging, with only 10% of the ocean under protection. The authors suggest that this deficit could be remedied by the High Seas Treaty, a legislative measure aimed at empowering nations to protect marine territories beyond their national jurisdictions.

Enforcement within protected territories presents another hurdle. The report alerts that destructive activities such as bottom trawling continue to occur in several conservation areas, compromising these valuable environments.

O’Donnell urges governments to speed up their efforts and view the 30×30 target as not only a conservation necessity but also as a strategic investment. He emphasizes that this would boost economic resilience, climate stability, food and water security, public health, and long-term prosperity.

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