Biodiversity is fundamental to human well-being, planetary health, and economic prosperity around the world. Yet, it is facing an unprecedented crisis: nearly one million species are at risk of extinction. The current extinction rate is already tens to hundreds of times greater than the average over the past ten million years—and this rate is accelerating.
In response to this urgent situation, the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted on December 19, 2022, during the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This landmark agreement aims to halt the alarming loss of biodiversity and drive global efforts to restore nature.
The Framework includes four long-term goals to achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity, alongside twenty-three specific global targets set for achievement by 2030. These ambitious targets are grouped under three key themes: (1) reducing threats to biodiversity (Targets 1-8); (2) meeting people’s needs through sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing (Targets 9-13); and (3) tools and solutions for implementation and mainstreaming (Targets 14-23).
Here is the TARGET 3:
“Ensure and enable that by 2030 at least 30 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas, and of marine and coastal areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, are effectively conserved and managed through ecologically representative, well-connected and equitably governed systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, recognizing indigenous and traditional territories, where applicable, and integrated into wider landscapes, seascapes and the ocean, while ensuring that any sustainable use, where appropriate in such areas, is fully consistent with conservation outcomes, recognizing and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, including over their traditional territories.”
TARGET 3, also known as the “30 by 30” goal, represents one of the most ambitious conservation commitments in history. Its intent is not only to set aside protected areas, but also to ensure these areas are managed effectively, are ecologically representative, and are connected across broader landscapes and seascapes. This approach recognises that isolated conservation efforts are insufficient; connectivity and integration with surrounding environments are essential for species survival, ecosystem functionality, and resilience against climate change.
Critically, TARGET 3 emphasises the role of indigenous peoples and local communities as stewards of biodiversity. By recognising their rights and contributions, the Framework seeks to foster equitable governance and ensure that conservation policies do not undermine traditional territories or livelihoods. This inclusive perspective is vital for the long-term success of conservation initiatives, as it enhances legitimacy, local engagement, and sustainable outcomes.
Implementation of TARGET 3 will require coordinated action at national and international levels, significant financial investment, and robust monitoring mechanisms. Progress towards the target will depend on countries’ ability to identify areas of high biodiversity value, promote collaborative management approaches, and integrate conservation with sustainable development and climate adaptation strategies.
