Global Nature Protection Goal Remains Within Reach

The global ambition to protect 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030 remains achievable, with expanding conservation commitments bringing countries closer to the target.

“This assessment shows that real progress is being made towards 30×30, and that the target remains within reach,” says Brian O’Donnell, Director of Campaign for Nature.

About 20% of the world’s land and inland waters are now designated as protected or conserved, and existing government commitments could raise coverage to 27% by 2030. More than 50 countries and territories have already reached at least 30% terrestrial protection, while 132 of the 196 parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity have submitted quantified land conservation commitments. Ocean protection remains more challenging, with 10% designated for conservation and only 3.5% assessed as effectively protected. Encouragingly, Samoa has achieved 25.6% effective marine protection, while Portugal has reached 9.5%. The High Seas Treaty offers further opportunities to safeguard marine ecosystems beyond national borders, which account for roughly two-thirds of the global ocean. Achieving the global goal will require annual conservation funding of $100–180 billion, up from the approximately $24 billion currently spent, along with stronger cooperation with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.