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The Protected Planet Report 2024, released by UNEP-WCMC and IUCN, evaluates global progress toward achieving Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). This target aims to conserve 30% of Earth's terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas by 2030.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Current Global Coverage
  • Land and Inland Waters: 17.6% protected.
  • Oceans and Coastal Areas: 8.4% protected.
  • Progress since 2020: Minimal increase (<0.5% for both realms), equivalent to an area twice the size of Colombia.
• Remaining Challenges to Achieve Target 3 by 2030
  • Land: An additional 12.4% of land area must be protected (equivalent to Brazil + Australia).
  • Ocean: 21.6% more marine areas must be safeguarded (larger than the Indian Ocean).
  • Key Gaps:
    • Only 8.5% of protected areas on land are well-connected.
    • Only one-fifth of the areas critical for biodiversity are fully protected.
    • Biodiversity representation remains uneven, with some ecological regions having no protection at all.
• Governance and Effectiveness Issues
  • Less than 5% of protected land and 1.3% of marine areas have management effectiveness assessments.
  • Only 0.2% of protected land and 0.01% of marine areas have undergone equitable governance assessments.
  • Indigenous governance covers less than 4% of protected areas despite Indigenous and traditional territories covering 13.6% of the terrestrial areas.
• Ocean Conservation Progress: Most progress is in national waters; however, areas beyond national jurisdiction (the high seas) remain underrepresented (<11% coverage).
• Data Deficiency: Insufficient data to measure biodiversity outcomes, equity, and governance in protected areas.

Importance of Target 3

• Biodiversity Benefits: Protected areas play a critical role in halting and reversing biodiversity loss.
• Ecosystem Services: These areas contribute to clean air, water, climate regulation, and food security.
• Cultural and Economic Significance: They uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, ensuring equitable governance and sustainable resource use.

Key Recommendations

• Accelerate Conservation Efforts:
  • Expand protected and conserved areas with a focus on biodiversity hotspots.
  • Ensure areas are ecologically connected and effectively managed.
• Strengthen Indigenous and Local Contributions:
  • Recognize and support the stewardship of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
  • Ensure their voices and knowledge systems are integrated into conservation planning.
• Improve Governance and Equity:
  • Address gaps in equitable governance and include rights-based approaches.
• Global Cooperation:
  • Increase international financing to developing nations for biodiversity conservation.
  • Foster cross-border partnerships and support data-sharing initiatives.
• Enhance Data Availability:
  • Collect and disseminate data on the effectiveness of protected areas and their biodiversity outcomes.

India’s Role and Strategy

• Commitment to KM-GBF: India updated its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to align with the KM-GBF goals, aiming to protect 30% of natural areas by 2030.
• Focus on Restoration: Prioritizes the restoration of forests, rivers, and other ecosystems to maintain essential resources like clean air and water.
• Indigenous Participation: India emphasizes integrating Indigenous territories into its conservation framework.