‘Paper parks’: The empty promise to save nature

The world can still meet its goal of protecting 30 percent of land and sea by 2030. A new report says this is possible. But it warns of a wide gap between promises and real protection. Many protected areas exist only on paper. These are called “paper parks.” They have legal status but little real protection. “Right now, it can be more financially profitable to ignore the needs of species and nature,” said Maano Aunapuu, a unit head at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The report calls for stronger action to turn pledges into real protection.