Protected Area targets have been set globally, regionally, and sometimes at a country level. During the last decade, the global protected area targets that all country signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) committed to were the CBD's Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Specifically, Aichi Target 11 which stated that:
at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes by 2020.
The new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted in December 2022 at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15). CBD country signatories have committed to implementing the protected area target (Target 3) of the new GBF by the year 2030. The text of Target 3 is below:
Ensure and enable that by 2030 at least 30 per cent of terrestrial, inland water, and of coastal and marine 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.
Regionally, the Micronesia Challenge aims to effectively conserve at least 30% of near-shore marine resources and 20% of terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020. An example of a country-based target is Fiji that aims to have 30% of reefs protected by 2015 and 30% of waters managed as a marine protected area network by 2020. During the 24th Micronesia Island Forum in 2019, the Leaders recognized the success in the first 15 years of the Micronesia Challenge and endorsed the new Micronesia Challenge 2030 goals to effectively manage 50% of marine resources, including the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and 30% of terrestrial resources by 2030.
Below are various efforts that have been carried out to assess global and regional progress towards the Aichi protected area targets. The paper by Govan (2009) is the most comprehensive assessment of marine protected areas (MPAs), including all LMMAs in the Pacific Islands. Govan’s data has now been incorporated into the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). Several of the papers below attempt to assess progress towards targets which relate to factors such as management effectiveness, biodiversity coverage, governance and finance etc.
As we move closer to 2030, further technical guidance on implementing the new GBF Target 3 that becomes available will be added to the resources section below. Furthermore, the resources section will be updated as needed to include any new papers or guidance related to taking stock of national, regional and global progress in implementing the GBF Target 3.
Capacity Development for Protected and Other Conserved Areas in the Pacific Islands Region
This document is an important tool for promoting action. It highlights the importance of culturally‐responsive capacity development, with Pacific Islanders defining the most appropriate approaches to be used.
Challenges and opportunities integrating remote sensing for mangrove conservation in Papua New Guinea's complex natural and human landscapes.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is home to one of the largest mangrove habitats (6% of the world’s mangrove area), which plays a crucial role in coastal protection, carbon sequestration and supporting biodiversity and livelihoods.
Characteristics of effective marine protected areas in Hawaiʻi
Ancient Hawaiians developed sophisticated natural resource management systems that included various forms of spatial management.
CKI OECM Workshop Report - January 2023
The CKI OECM Workshop Report consolidates the discussions, outcomes, recommendations and next steps following the Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures Workshop, hosted by the National Environment Service, in partnership with Secretariat of Pacific Regional Environment Program and
Climate benefits from establishing marine protected areas targeted at blue carbon solutions
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are recognized as highly effective tools for marine conservation. They may also play an important role in mitigating climate change.
Climate change is driving fish stocks from countries’ waters to the high seas: Study
Fish and other marine organisms, though deeply affected by human activities, don’t respect human borders. The ranges of many commercially important species in fact straddle the borders of countries’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and international waters, known as the high seas.
Climate-Smart Adaptive Management Framework for Coral Reef Restoration and Rehabilitation in Palau
This framework is designed to serve as a blueprintfor safeguarding Palau’s coral reefs as they face an escalating climate crisis.
Closing the Implementation Gap Capacity Development for Effective Marine 30x30
This report was produced by the Adrienne Arsht Community-Based Resilience Solutions Initiative at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) and authored by Dr. Vanessa Constant and Dr. Ana Spalding.
Coastal wetland resilience through local, regional and global conservation
Coastal wetlands, including tidal marshes, mangrove forests and tidal flats, support the livelihoods of millions of people.
Collaborative Science Is Key to Conserving Highly Mobile Marine Species
Research from Pew marine fellows is a critical resource for helping to protect large ocean species and can offer invaluable input as a network of high seas marine protected areas (MPAs) nears reality.
Common misconceptions of ‘other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs) and implications for global conservation targets
The commitment to protect 30% of the Earth’s terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework has seen growing attention paid to ‘other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs) to help achieve this target.
Communicating coral: Art and science for global reef action
Coral reefs are the frontline sentinels of planetary change, revealing the consequences of a warming world before they fully unfold.
Community Synthesis Report - Ecosystem and Socio-economic Resilience Analysis and Mapping (ESRAM) Central Province, Solomon Islands
This publication is a simplified summary version of the report ‘Ecosystem and Socio-economic Resilience Analysis and Mapping (ESRAM) for Central Province, Solomon Islands’.
Community Synthesis Report - Ecosystem and Socio-economic Resilience Analysis and Mapping (ESRAM) Central Province, Solomon Islands
This publication is a simplified summary version of the report ‘Ecosystem and Socio-economic Resilience Analysis and Mapping (ESRAM) for Central Province, Solomon Islands’.
Community-Based Management
Community Based Management resources
Comparing impacts and recovery of locally managed reefs after exposure to extreme waves from a category 5 cyclone
As the climate warms, coral reefs face more frequent and severe impacts from thermal stress while a greater proportion of tropical cyclones are expected to reach the strongest categories.
Comparing screening outcomes for private sector nature-related assessments based on national and global biodiversity datasets
In response to demand for better biodiversity stewardship from the private sector, frameworks such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) have been developed to help companies assess, manage, and disclose their nature-related impacts, dependencies, risks, and opportunitie
Comparison of historical (1980s) and contemporary (2023–2024) microplastic contamination of arc clams (Anadara spp.) from tidal flats in Suva, Fiji
Microplastic pollution threatens marine ecosystems, especially in vulnerable regions like the Pacific Islands. This study examines temporal trends by comparing Anadara spp. specimens from Fiji's tidal flats in the 1980s and 2023–2024.
Compendium of guidance for capturing, managing and using biodiversity-related data and information
This compendium of guidance provides details of information sources for capturing, managing, using, and sharing data, all in the context of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Compendium of guidance on achieving synergies among biodiversity-related conventions at the national level
The purpose of the document is to help increase access to existing guidance material on synergies among biodiversity-related conventions and to provide a basis for identifying gaps in the available guidance.
Compendium of guidance on key global databases related to biodiversity-related conventions
This compendium is a compilation of available global databases.
Conservation and Commerce: Managing Small-Scale Fisheries for Ecological and Livelihood Benefits
Delivering both social and ecological outcomes is regarded as essential for conservation actions to be effective, particularly in regions where Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and local communities (LCs) depend heavily on natural resources.
Conservation Finance for Coral Reefs
Coral reefs face threats from climate change and local pressures, but many initiatives designed to deliver conservation outcomes for them and the social-economic systems they support are limited by sustainable finance and the availability of funds over the long term.
Conservation of birds in fragmented landscapes requires protected areas
For successful conservation of biodiversity, it is vital to know whether protected areas in increasingly fragmented landscapes effectively safeguard species. However, how large habitat fragments must be, and what level of protection is required to sustain species, remains poorly known.
CONSERVING AT LEAST 30% OF THE PLANET BY 2030 – What should count?
This brief seeks to bring clarity to the question of what could count toward the 30% global minimum target. within the context of recognized area-based conservation measures and their ability to deliver positive long-term conservation outcomes.
Conserving our sea of islands - State of protected and conserved areas in Oceania
Conserving our sea of islands: State of protected and conserved areas in Oceania is a landmark publication, bringing together regional and international experts to prepare the first comprehensive review of the status and issues for protected and conserved areas in the region.
Conserving our sea of islands State of protected and conserved areas in Oceania
Conserving our sea of islands: State of protected and conserved areas in Oceania report is the first comprehensive regional assessment of protected and conserved areas.
Considering Indigenous Peoples and local communities in governance of the global ocean commons
The United Nations are currently negotiating a new international legally-binding instrument to govern the global ocean commons, a vast area beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) owned by everyone but not cared for by any single entity.
Contemporary Ra¯hui: placing Indigenous, conservation, and sustainability sciences in community-led conservation
Resource sustainability requires recognising and developing pathways to integrate local and Indigenous knowledges alongside conservation and sustainability sciences within management practices and governance.
Contribution of Marine Conservation Agreements to Biodiversity Protection, Fisheries Management and Sustainable Financing in Fiji
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has just finished a report on the "Contribution of Marine Conservation Agreements to Biodiversity Protection, Fisheries Management and Sustainable Financing in Fiji."The report documents the degree and scale to which Marine Conservation Agreements (MCA
Cook Islands State of Environment (SOE) report
The 2018 SOE is a new baseline for future reports and can help the Cook Islands with national regional and international reporting obligations including multi-lateral environmental agreements.Available onlineCall Number: 333.7209623 COO, [EL]ISBN/ISSN: 978-982-04
Cook Islands GEF 7 Project Documents & Reports
Official project document for the Cook Islands national project under GEF-7 programming, project title: Enhancing Biodiversity considerations and effective protected area management to safeguard the Cook Islands integrated ecosystems and species. Annexes not in
Cook Islands GEF-7 Project ENUA Documents & Reports
This project aims to reduce and mitigate negative environmental impacts of the key development sectors (agriculture, infrastructure, tourism), which were recognized in the 2018 State of Environment Report as the main national drivers of biodiversity and habitat degradation.The Cook Islands GEF-7
Coral microbiomes as reservoirs of unknown genomic and biosynthetic diversity
Coral reefs are marine biodiversity hotspots that provide a wide range of ecosystem services1.
Coral reefs at a crossroads
The importance of coral reefs cannot be overstated.
Cost-effective priorities for the expansion of global terrestrial protected areas: Setting post-2020 global and national targets
Biodiversity loss is a social and ecological emergency, and calls have been made for the global expansion of protected areas (PAs) to tackle this crisis. It is unclear, however, where best to locate new PAs to protect biodiversity cost-effectively.
Could a crack-down on China's shark conservation save a species?
Stronger shark conservation policies across China could – in effect – save the species from extinction, is the argument being levelled at the United States via a petition asking the US to better hold China accountable for failing to meet basic conservation standards.
COVID-19 and protected areas: Impacts, conflicts, and possible management solutions
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, management authorities of numerous Protected Areas (PAs) had to discourage visitors from accessing them in order to reduce the virus transmission rate and protect local communities.
Creating a National Coral-Focused Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Fiji to Prevent Coral Species Extinction in the Face of Rapid Climate Change: Applying the UNESCO-Endorsed “Reefs of Hope” Ocean Decade Action
In the face of recent setbacks to coral reef conservation and restoration due to intensifying marine heat waves, new coral-focused strategies have been developed to accelerate natural processes of coral reef adaptation and recovery.
Cultural ecosystem services and the conservation challenges for an Indigenous people's aquatic protected area practice.
Globally, protected areas associated with sacred sites and cemeteries are an emerging area of research. However, they are biased toward terrestrial systems.
Current Recorded Cook Islands Terrestrial Protected Areas. (NES 2011)
The SOE uses the 2011 report by Cook Islands to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to identify the country’s terrestrial protected areas.
Current trends and future directions for integrating social values into mangrove restoration
Despite the recent rise in mangrove restoration projects, the extent to which many projects include social dimensions remains contested, with limited research informing insights from on-ground projects.
Current trends suggest most Asian countries are unlikely to meet future biodiversity targets on protected areas
Aichi Target 11 committed governments to protect ≥17% of their terrestrial environments by 2020, yet it was rarely achieved, raising questions about the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework goal to protect 30% by 2030.
Custodians of the globe’s blue carbon assets
Over the last decades scientists have discovered that seagrass meadows, tidal marshes, and mangroves – “blue carbon” ecosystems – are among the most intensive carbon sinks in the biosphere.
Cycads in the Pacific: from Relicts to Supertramps
I was recently asked what my favourite plant species is. After some soul searching, I arrived at the the Pacific cycad, Cycas seemannii (Fig. 1), found in Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. But why, you ask? Cycads are an ancient lineage, believed to have evolved some 300 million years.
Data-driven approach for highlighting priority areas for protection in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction
One of the aims of the United Nations (UN) negotiations on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) is to develop a legal process for the establishment of area-based management tools, including marine protected areas, in ABNJ.
Database of Global Data Sources for Biodiversity Conservation Monitoring
Here you can access a database created by the Group in collaboration with Re:wild as part of an inventory of available data sources.
Defining ‘science-based targets’
Setting targets for addressing major planetary concerns is an essential prerequisite for concerted global action (both inside and outside multilateral environmental agreements) and is necessarily a societal and political process, requiring negotiation and convergence among oftenconflicting intere
