Summarising CBD target 3 to “30 × 30” emphasizes area coverage, but conservation success depends on MPA quality. Many existing MPAs are under-protected, and rapidly designating new areas risks creating ‘paper parks’ without ecological or social benefits. Prioritizing strictly or fully managed MPAs, supported by a clear and shared definition, is essential to achieve meaningful biodiversity outcomes. Quality-focused strategies ensure that global targets benefit both nature and people, rather than merely meeting numerical goals.
Stephenson, F., Horta e Costa, B., Addamo, A.M. et al. Quality of marine protected areas is critical to achieving global biodiversity targets. npj Ocean Sustain 4, 63 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-025-00169-8
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