The ‘30x30’ Conservation Goal Divides and Inspires at COP15

Some people question the mentality of those trying to enforce it. The top-down approach associated with 30x30 may not work unless the approach to Indigenous peoples is changed. The problem is that the solution comes from the top, and they don't really know the realities on the ground.

30x30 is a crucial part of a successful agreement for protecting key ecosystems and propelling Indigenous-based models in large countries like Brazil, Russia, and China. He said that his country was starting a story of reconciliation.

The map of the ecosystems that humanity must not destroy in order to meet climate targets was published in November 2021. Researchers said this is where 30x30 efforts should be focused.

A growing number of coalitions are working to protect these environments. At the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27), Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia said they would coordinate at the UN climate and biodiversity talks. Early into his time in office, the incoming Brazilian president said he would convene a pan-Amazonian meeting to discuss the region's preservation. The world's largest rainforests, equivalent to the size of Mexico, would be protected by the end of the century under a proposal by Indigenous groups.

Brian O'Donnell is the director of the Campaign for Nature, which is pushing for at least 30 percent of land and sea to be saved. The world needs to push toward 50 percent in order to achieve Wilson's vision of protecting half the planet for the long-term survival of humanity. He says that the areas that need to be preserved should include the most biodiverse-rich areas.

One point of contention is whether every country has to protect 30x30 or whether it is a global target. Poorer, more biodiverse countries should be paid to not destroy their nature as they are international assets.

Some countries are asking developed nations how they can be expected not to chop down their forests as they have done in the past. The group of megadiverse countries said the 30 percent target would require significant financial and technical support.