The High Seas Treaty and its implications on the 30x30 conservation goal

To achieve 30 by 30, countries are being called upon to further develop policies, and implement plans to protect and conserve ecosystems. An essential part of this process is the inclusion of IPLCs, who must be partners in the development and implementation of the global framework. The IPBES Global Assessment documents the critical role that IPLCs play in biodiversity conservation, noting that 35% of all the areas formally protected and 35% of the remaining terrestrial areas with low human intervention are traditionally owned, managed and occupied by Indigenous Peoples. Begging the question, how best do we achieve 30 by 30?

• Explicitly engaging with IPLCs; IPLCs likely have a deeper understanding of the ecosystems in which they inhabit, and will play an essential role in developing conservation efforts to meet the 30% target. As it stands, there is still a need to explicitly protect IPLC rights in the 30 by 30 targets.
• Increasing funding for conservation; adequate funding is essential for effective conservation. Adequate funding will allow for a diverse range of strategies, across all types of land (wetland, grassland, oceans, forests etc.) and permit for consistent monitoring and adjusting of progress. Funding to engage an external partner to invest in technology and AI tracking would allow for consistent monitoring of methodologies and strategies.
• Support sustainable land and ocean use practices; enforcing sustainable management practices and stewardship projects, if well executed, means that less natural land is required to be converted for human use. Governments and businesses can support sustainable industries by offering incentive grants, and ensuring the correct polity and laws are there to support the industries, to further support the practices that enhance our environment, such as sustainable agroforestry, sustainable fisheries, and regenerative agriculture.
• Increase public education, awareness, and engagement. Increasing public awareness about the importance of conservation and engaging the public in these efforts can help foster a sense of collective purpose to protect these areas and meet targets.

In global targets and policies such as 30 by 30, it is easy for individuals to feel helpless, disengaged and seemingly not part of the global challenge. By understanding why land and ocean conservation is important for global ecosystems, public individuals are likely to become more engaged in the issues and the need for solutions.

A few ways an individuals can contribute to this collective target, is by reducing personal single-use plastic consumption, choosing certified sustainable seafood, overall reducing one’s carbon footprint, and lastly, becoming an ocean and land conservation advocate by educating themselves on the latest news, treaties, and initiatives to support global progress towards 30 by 30.