“Urgent Call for Action: Countries Must Step Up Plans and Funding to Meet Global Nature Goals Ahead of UN Biodiversity Summit”

Ahead of the UN biodiversity summit, countries are urged to come up with strong new plans and funding to meet global nature goals. The global target to protect at least 30% of the world’s land and water ecosystems by 2030 faces significant challenges, as only 29 out of 196 countries have submitted key updates to their national biodiversity plans, according to the UN’s biodiversity agency.

Chirra Achalender Reddy, chair of India’s National Biodiversity Authority and head of work on implementation at the UN biodiversity negotiations, emphasized the immense challenge countries face in meeting the 30% by 2030 target, known as “30×30.” He stressed the need for countries to formulate strong National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to achieve this goal.

A report published by a consortium of nature NGOs and foundations revealed that only 8.3% of the world’s ocean has been designated as marine protected areas (MPAs), with just 2.8% effectively protected due to lack of enforcement and loopholes allowing overfishing and fossil fuel extraction. The report warned that at the current rate of progress, no more than 9.7% of the ocean will be protected by 2030.

At COP15 in December 2022, countries adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which includes a set of 23 targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, including the 30×30 goal. However, most governments missed the October deadline to submit their updated biodiversity plans, with more expected to be announced at COP16.

Biodiversity finance will play a crucial role in the production of updated NBSAPs, as developing countries face funding barriers in protecting nature. Despite slow progress on finance and national plans, the UN’s biodiversity agency remains optimistic that the GBF goals can be achieved through decisive action and solidarity among parties.

In conclusion, the urgency to protect and conserve nature is paramount, and countries must work together to meet the ambitious targets set forth in the global biodiversity framework by 2030.