IUCN's work on 30x30
The adoption of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022 - in part as a result of the sustained advocacy of IUCN and our many partners - outlined a bold new vision of a just world conserved for the benefit of nature and people.
In 2022, governments around the world committed to conserving 30% of our planet’s lands, seas and inland waters by 2030, in what has become known at the 30x30 target of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The decision to conserve 30x30 is based on the scientific consensus that our planet’s biodiversity needs no less. The 30% target contains an important qualifier: Conservation must be achieved through equitable or fair approaches. This means that we need to look carefully at local solutions that deliver conservation for people and nature.
IUCN is working to support the achievement of this ambitious goal, whilst going beyond the numbers and ensuring that area-based conservation is both effective and equitable.
30x30 - Beyond the numbers...
The adoption of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework outlined a bold new vision of a just world conserved for the benefit of nature and people.
In working with state parties and relevant actors to achieve Target 3 - the ‘30x30’ goal - we support countries to expand their protected and conserved area systems through protected areas, Indigenous and Traditional Territories (ITTs), other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), and other internationally-designated areas through informed and inclusive decision-making.
But beyond the numbers, IUCN recognises the need for area-based conservation to have tangible results, and to uphold and advance human rights and dignity. These priorities are embodied in the IUCN Green List Standard for Effective and Equitable Protected and Conserved Areas, and are promoted through our work supporting the recognition of the contributions of Indigenous peoples and local communities to biodiversity conservation.
How we achieve impact
IUCN works directly with governments, Indigenous peoples, conservation organisations, the private sector, and many other actors, to harness the collective knowledge, experience and vision of our diverse Union towards more effective, equitable, and durable conservation action.
Achieving 30x30 requires us to draw on IUCN’s unique standing to provide:
