Current study in Nature: Almost 27% of the world’s land area may already contribute to habitat and biodiversity conservation

The study was led by the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. Numerous international research institutions contributed to the research, including the Michael Succow Foundation.

With the adoption of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) at CBD COP15 in 2022, the 196 Parties also agreed to conserve at least 30% of the world’s land and sea areas by 2030. This target is widely known as “30 by 30”.

The target was already considered highly ambitious when it was agreed upon. In addition to conventional protected areas, so-called Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) also play an important role. These areas do not fall under the conventional IUCN protected-area categories but nevertheless contribute to the conservation of wilderness, habitats or biodiversity. Examples may include areas managed by Indigenous communities, sacred sites, traditional grazing lands, community forests and traditional orchard meadows. It is important to note that areas must meet the relevant criteria for OECMs and contribute to the long-term conservation of biodiversity.

The research team has now examined these areas in detail in a global study. By combining international and national datasets, the study concludes that almost 27% of the world’s land area may already receive some form of conservation protection.

This encouraging finding should not, however, lead to complacency. The long-term survival of species and habitats depends not simply on the number of areas under protection, but also on the quality of their management and conservation measures.

The challenge therefore remains. It motivates us to continue investing in adequate financial and human resources, training and effective management in the forests, peatlands and deserts of our world.