Why We're Committing to 30/30
- CDC-PHP Media Communications
- May 6
- 2 min read
The dual crises of climate change and mass wildlife extinctions threaten to forever change our world, but there is hope. By protecting 30% of the planet’s oceans, lands, and freshwaters by 2030, people and nature can thrive together into the future.
What is 30x30?
30x30 is a worldwide initiative for governments to designate 30% of Earth’s land and ocean area as protected areas by 2030.
30x30 is a shared roadmap to a nature-positive future.
For the first time in human history, the world has come together with a common goal to protect nature. In December 2022, over 190 countries adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (also known as The Biodiversity Plan) – an international commitment to better protect the planet that sustains us all.
The framework includes 23 targets aimed at reversing habitat and species loss. Target 3, colloquially known as “30x30”, specifically calls for the effective protection and management of 30% of the world’s terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas by the year 2030.
Put simply, 30x30 is the biggest conservation commitment the world has ever seen. To date, more than 190 countries have committed to achieving the global goal.
Human wellbeing depends on 30x30 success
The world’s wild places are being lost, and along with them we are losing the natural systems that protect us from the consequences of climate change. Scientists agree that we must protect at least 30% of lands, fresh waters and oceans by 2030 to have any chance of stemming the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change facing our planet.
Currently, only about 17% of land and 8% of marine areas are currently under some form of protection. Even then, in many cases, the effectiveness of that protection is in doubt.
30x30 can be achieved—with the right solutions
30x30 is an ambitious target and represents a significant commitment by the 190 countries that have adopted the Global Biodiversity Framework. Protected areas are one of the most effective ways to conserve biodiversity and they remain a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation strategies. By establishing new protected and conserved areas, and more effectively managing existing ones, protecting 30% by 2030 is possible.
To realize this global vision, national governments, local communities and others must work together to create lasting protection of the most critical places needed to support all life on Earth.