World Nears 30% Land Protection Goal, But Experts Warn It's Not Enough
A new study finds global land conservation areas are larger than previously thought, putting the world closer to a major biodiversity target. But experts caution that the quality of protection matters as much as the size.
Countries are moving closer to a major global target: protecting 30% of the world's land. The goal is part of an international agreement to safeguard nature and slow the loss of wildlife and ecosystems [266445]. Current data suggests the world is now within reach of this threshold, though the exact figure and the quality of protection vary by region [266445].
The 30% target — often called "30x30" — was set under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an agreement adopted in 2022. It calls on nations to conserve at least 30% of land and 30% of oceans by 2030 [266445].
Scientists say the progress is better than earlier estimates suggested, according to new research [263160]. A new study finds that global conservation areas cover far more land than previously estimated, a finding that could reshape how nations measure progress on protecting nature [263178].
For years, official counts relied on areas formally designated as protected. The new research shows that other conserved lands — including community-managed territories and private reserves — add substantial coverage [263178]. The research, described as a "lay of the land" assessment, provides a clearer picture of how much terrestrial land is under conservation. Previous estimates may have undercounted these efforts [263161].
This matters because many countries have pledged to protect 30% of land and water by 2030. If existing coverage is already higher than thought, the gap to that target may be smaller [263178]. The study's authors say the results offer a more accurate baseline for tracking future conservation goals [263161].
But experts caution that size is not everything. A conserved area only counts if it truly safeguards wildlife and ecosystems. Weak protection on paper does not guarantee protection on the ground [263178]. Some areas are counted as protected even when enforcement is weak or funding is limited [266445].
The study suggests that governments should recognize diverse conservation models. It also raises a question: are these areas being counted accurately, or simply claimed? [263178] The findings could influence international negotiations on biodiversity targets, as governments and environmental groups use such data to measure progress [263161].
Experts say reaching the number is only the first step. The harder task is making sure protected areas are well managed and actually support biodiversity, rather than existing only on paper [266445]. Officials are expected to review national progress in the coming months, as countries submit updated plans for meeting their conservation commitments [266445].