Conserve 30% of Land, Waters and Seas
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.
Why is this target important?
A defining trait of all complex systems—like our planet’s biodiversity—is their ability to self-regulate. They are dynamic, ever-evolving, and have been fine-tuning the equation of life for 3.5 billion years.
But that equation has shifted dramatically over the last 200 years, as the human population has surged from 1 billion to 8 billion. This exponential growth places immense pressure on ecosystems, driving habitat loss, resource depletion, and soaring CO₂ emissions. Yet, population size isn’t the core issue—it’s how we behave. Industrialization and the relentless extraction of fossil fuels have given us unchecked power to destroy habitats, pollute the air and water, and push species to the brink of extinction. It is disheartening to watch how humanity – capable of such brilliance and beauty – has become so destructive. We have turned our backs on harmony and elegance.
When did the pursuit of profit replace the pursuit of meaningful lives?
Our saving grace is that the sun delivers an astonishing amount of energy every second, fueling a vast, self-sustaining web of life. It is an unstoppable force—if we allow it the space to thrive. But there are limits, and tipping points we cannot afford to cross.One-third. That’s the portion of the planet we must protect to secure a future of beauty and abundance. This critical goal—also known as 30x30—calls for 30% of Earth to be conserved by 2030. The time to act is now.