30×30 Conservation Initiative:
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 30 by 30 initiative for conservation?

The 30 by 30 initiative (also referred to as 30×30) is a global goal to conserve at least 30 percent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

The initiative is formalized as Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It emphasizes not only the amount of area conserved, but also the need for effective management, ecological representation, and equitable governance.

30×30 is intended to slow biodiversity loss, maintain ecosystem functions, and support long-term human and environmental resilience.

What are the four main goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework?

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework establishes four overarching goals to be achieved by 2050:

  1. Biodiversity integrity and resilience
    Maintain and restore ecosystems, halt species extinctions, and reduce extinction risk.
  2. Sustainable use of biodiversity
    Ensure that biodiversity is used in ways that support long-term environmental and human well-being.
  3. Fair and equitable benefit-sharing
    Share benefits arising from genetic resources and biodiversity fairly, including with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
  4. Implementation, financing, and accountability
    Strengthen capacity, mobilize resources, and improve monitoring and reporting to ensure progress toward biodiversity targets.

Target 3 (30×30) directly contributes to these goals.

Why is the 30×30 biodiversity goal important?

Scientific evidence indicates that conserving smaller or fragmented areas is not sufficient to halt biodiversity loss. Protecting at least 30 percent of land and sea is considered a minimum threshold for maintaining ecosystem function, species survival, and nature’s contributions to people.

The 30×30 target provides a shared benchmark for coordinated global action while allowing flexibility in how countries and regions implement conservation.

What are the benefits of protecting at least 30 percent of land and sea?

Protecting at least 30 percent of land and sea:

  • Conserves habitats and species
  • Supports climate mitigation and adaptation
  • Protects ecosystem services such as water, food systems, and coastal protection
  • Strengthens Indigenous stewardship and community governance
  • Reduces long-term environmental and economic risks

How is the 30×30 target measured?

Progress toward 30×30 is assessed using multiple criteria, including:

  • Percent of terrestrial and inland water areas and marine and coastal areas protected and conserved
  • Areas of importance for biodiversity under conservation or protection
  • Ecological representation and connectivity
  • Governance quality and equity
  • Management effectiveness

What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, is the current global agreement guiding biodiversity action through 2030 and toward 2050.

It establishes:

  • Four long-term goals
  • Twenty-three action-oriented targets
  • A framework for national implementation and global accountability
  • Target 3 (30×30) is one of its central components.