New report shows mixed progress on biodiversity targets – Capital Radio Malawi
13 February, 2025

New report shows mixed progress on biodiversity targets

A new report assessing global conservation efforts has revealed mixed progress toward meeting biodiversity protection goals under Target 3 of the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The groundbreaking report, ‘ The Protected Planet Report 2024,’ is a result of collaborative efforts involving many institutions worldwide including the United Nations Environmental Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

This first official evaluation of progress towards one of the framework’s 23 targets-Target 3, which aims to protect 30 percent of the world’s terrestrial, inland water, marine, and coastal areas by 2030 assessed progress on every target element that can meaningfully be measured.

The landmark assessment of global conservation efforts reveals positive strides toward protecting biodiversity and significant challenges in achieving the ambitious goal of protecting the planet’s land and sea.

It also underscores the critical need to accelerate efforts to meet the global goal under the framework. It emphasizes the importance of equitable governance, indigenous rights, and effective management in achieving these goals.

Progress in numbers

According to the report, 17.6 percent of the world’s terrestrial and inland waters and 8.4 percent of marine areas are now protected. While this reflects progress, an additional 16.7 million square kilometers of land and 78.3 million square kilometers of marine areas need protection to reach the 30 percent target.

“Progress is evident, but this progress falls short of the pace needed to meet the 30 percent target. The pace must increase dramatically if we are to meet the 2030 deadline,” the report warns.

Since 2020, global networks of protected areas have grown, with 629,000 square kilometers of terrestrial areas and 1.77 square kilometers of marine areas newly designed for protection.

Notably, 51 countries and territories have already achieved 30 percent coverage on land, and 31 have met this benchmark in marine environments.

“This demonstrates the commitment at the national level,” reads the report. “ But we must ensure these areas are not only protected but also strategically located, well-connected, and effectively managed.”

Uneven protection for key biodiversity areas

Despite these advancements, a third of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) remain unprotected, leaving critical ecosystems vulnerable.

 Additionally, while a quarter of ecoregions have more than 30 percent protection, many are underrepresented in the global conservation network.

“We are leaving significant gaps in protecting the planet’s most vital natural resources. This gap highlights the urgent need for strategic planning to prioritize areas essential for biodiversity and ecosystem services,” the report states.

Connectivity, effectiveness, and governance challenges

The global network of protected areas remains poorly connected. The report identifies connectivity as a major challenge, with only 8.52 percent of land areas both protected and connected. This fragmentation undermines ecosystem resilience and biodiversity.

Similarly, while 177 countries have conducted management effectiveness assessments, only 5.7 percent of marine protected areas are actively managed, and just 2.8 percent have high or full protection.

“Achieving the quality aspects of Target 3 is as important as reaching 30 percent coverage,” the report states.

The report also highlights the limited recognition of Indigenous governance, noting that Indigenous People and local communities govern only 3.95 percent of protected areas. Indigenous and traditional territories, however, account for 13.6 percent of terrestrial areas globally.

A call to action

With six years remaining to achieve the 2030 targets, the report calls for a unified global effort to expand, connect, and effectively manage protected areas while respecting human rights and equitable governance.

“Protecting 30 percent of the planet is not just a numerical target; it is about safeguarding ecosystems, respecting human rights, and ensuring equitable benefits. We have six years to act decisively,” reads the report.

“Fully implementing Target 3 is a monumental challenge. But, it is one we must overcome for the sake of all life on earth,” the report concludes.

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