The Race to 30x30: Can We Protect Our Planet by 2030?

A Global Goal for Nature: The 30x30 Challenge

The world is on a mission. In a historic agreement known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, nations have committed to a monumental task: protecting at least 30% of the Earth’s land and oceans by 2030. This ambitious goal, dubbed “30x30,” is a critical response to the accelerating crisis of biodiversity loss. With overwhelming public support—a recent poll found 82% of people in favor—the pressure is on for governments to turn promises into protected realities. But as we race against the clock, are our efforts enough to secure a future for our planet’s vital ecosystems?

Glimmers of Promise: Recent Conservation Wins

There is tangible momentum building in global conservation. In a significant leap forward, UNESCO designated 26 new Biosphere Reserves across 21 countries in September 2025, the largest expansion in two decades. This added an incredible one million square kilometers of natural areas under protection since 2018—an area the size of Bolivia. For the first time, nations like Angola, Iceland, and Oman now host these vital reserves. In an unprecedented move, São Tomé and Príncipe had its entire territory designated as a biosphere reserve, setting a new standard for national commitment.

As of late 2024, our collective efforts have placed:

• 17.6% of terrestrial and inland water areas under protection.
• 8.4% of marine and coastal areas under protection.

While these figures represent an increase of territory twice the size of Colombia since 2020, the pace of expansion remains a critical concern.

The Mountain We Still Must Climb

Despite the progress, the scale of the challenge is daunting. The rate of expansion is currently less than half a percentage point for both land and sea, a pace that must accelerate dramatically to meet the 2030 deadline. To reach the 30x30 target, we still need to designate for protection:

• An area on land roughly the combined size of Brazil and Australia.
• An area at sea larger than the Indian Ocean.

Furthermore, there’s a significant gap in protecting Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)—sites crucial for the global persistence of biodiversity. While coverage has increased to 44%, it means more than half of these irreplaceable areas remain unprotected.

Beyond the Numbers: The Importance of Quality and Equity

Experts are clear: simply drawing lines on a map is not enough. The focus must shift from mere quantity to the quality and effectiveness of conservation. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen warns against creating “paper parks”—protected areas that exist in name only, with little to no enforcement. The real work lies in effective management, monitoring, and genuine protection.

Crucially, achieving the 30x30 goal must be done equitably. Indigenous Peoples and local communities are the stewards of a vast portion of the world’s biodiversity, and their rights and knowledge are essential to successful conservation. Susan Lieberman of the Wildlife Conservation Society notes that global citizens want strong government action, but this must not lead to “fortress conservation” models that displace local populations and violate human rights.

The Future of Conservation: Technology and New Approaches

Innovation is playing a key role in shaping the future of conservation. Several trends are accelerating our ability to protect nature effectively:

• Technology-Driven Monitoring: AI-powered satellite imagery and environmental DNA (eDNA) are revolutionizing how we track biodiversity and monitor ecosystem health.
• Nature-Based Solutions: There’s a growing focus on approaches that combine conservation with sustainable livelihoods, such as regenerative agriculture and protecting natural carbon sinks like forests and wetlands.
• Green Finance: The financial sector is beginning to recognize the economic risks of biodiversity loss, leading to new frameworks for nature-related financial disclosures that encourage investment in conservation.
• Marine Protection: A concerted push to expand marine protected areas (MPAs) is underway, with new commitments to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs and sustainably manage national waters.

Conclusion: A Critical Decade for Action

The global conservation expansion is at a pivotal moment. We have a clear goal, strong public backing, and promising new tools at our disposal. The recent progress proves that large-scale protection is possible. However, the path to 30x30 is steep. It requires unprecedented political will, financial investment, and a fundamental commitment to equitable and effective conservation that empowers local communities. The next few years will determine whether we can bridge the gap between ambition and action, securing a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come.