Oceans on the Brink: Challenges in Meeting the 30% Protection Target by 2030
- October 19, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
Oceans on the Brink: Challenges in Meeting the 30% Protection Target by 2030
Sub :Env
Sec: Climate change
Why in News
At the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in 2022, world leaders pledged to protect 30% of the Earth’s oceans by 2030. However, the latest reports reveal that despite oceans covering over 70% of the planet, only 2.8% are effectively protected, far short of the target. This raise concerns over ocean conservation efforts, which are crucial for mitigating climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
Commitment at COP15
At the COP15, a bold commitment was made to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030. Address the rising threats from climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
Current Protection Status: Only 2.8% of oceans are effectively protected despite covering over 70% of the planet.
Oceans play a critical role in carbon absorption and climate regulation, yet most remain unprotected or weakly regulated.
About COP15:
COP15 was the United Nations Biodiversity Conference held in 2022.
The conference led to the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
COP15’s 30×30 target aims to protect 30% of Earth’s land and oceans by 2030.
Developed nations committed to providing $20 billion annually by 2025 and $30 billion by 2030 to support biodiversity efforts in developing countries.
The framework emphasizes reducing plastic and chemical pollution to protect ecosystems.
COP15 promoted the ratification of the High Seas Treaty for the protection of international waters.
The sustainable use of biodiversity was a core focus, ensuring ecosystem services for local and indigenous communities.
Assessment of Progress Toward the 30×30 Target
The report titled “On Track or Off Course? Assessing Progress Toward the 30×30 Target in the Ocean” reveals a significant gap between pledges and actual protection. 8.3% of oceans are designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), yet many MPAs permit harmful activities like industrial fishing, oil extraction, and dumping.
About 30X30 target-
The foundation of the GBF agreement is a pledge to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030, usually referred to as the 30X30 goal.
The 30X30 target was first floated in 2019 in an article A Global Deal for Nature: Guiding principles, milestones, and targets published in Science Advances.
This then became the global call of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People in 2020 and as of October 2022, more than 100 countries are part of it.
Countries have to commit to protecting 30 per cent of the land and sea by 2030 under this goal.
Blue Washing: A Growing Concern
Blue washing refers to the practice of labeling areas, companies, or activities as environmentally friendly or sustainable, especially related to ocean conservation, without implementing effective measures to protect marine ecosystems.
It often involves misleading claims about marine protection efforts, where governments or organizations declare areas as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) but allow harmful activities like industrial fishing, oil drilling, or pollution to continue.
It can be used interchangeably with the term greenwashing but has a greater focus on economic and community factors. Alternatively, it could be phrased as a way that companies hide the social damage that their policies have caused.
Active disinformation is a tool that companies use to make their goods or services more attractive to their consumers and shareholders.
Five-Point Agenda for Achieving the 30×30 Target
Expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Panama’s Banco Volcán MPA expanded from 14,000 km² to over 90,000 km², now protecting almost 50% of the country’s seascape.
Ensure Effective Management of Existing MPAs: The UK’s Blue Belt Programme showcases how targeted management can enhance marine environments.
Integrate Indigenous Knowledge in Conservation: Indigenous conservation efforts, such as Inhambane Bay Community Network in Mozambique and Gitdisdzu Lugyeks MPA in Canada, show how traditional knowledge can improve marine protection.
Provide Financial Support and Capacity Building: Developed countries must fulfill their commitment to provide at least $20 billion annually by 2025 and $30 billion by 2030 to support developing nations.
Improve Reporting and Data Collection: Better tracking and transparent reporting of marine conservation efforts are essential for progress.
Countries Leading in Marine Protection
Monaco (100%), Palau (99%), UK (68%), and Kazakhstan (52%) have designated more than 30% of their waters as MPAs.
However, only Palau (78%) and the UK (39%) have been assessed as effectively protecting more than 30% of their waters.