30x30
In 2022, world leaders, nonprofits, and activists gathered at the UN Biodiversity Conference of Parties aka COP. At the end of the two-week long conference, attendees declared that to reverse the biodiversity crisis, we must protect 30% of our lands and waters by 2030. This target is referred to as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Framework also notes the need to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030 and mobilize finances for conservation projects in developing nations. This framework, while seemingly modest, is a landmark moment in conservation.
Now here’s the catch. Compliance for an international agreement of this kind is tricky. The UN agreement itself is not legally binding. Rather, participating nations create policies that align with the targets and their individual needs as a country. Progress is tracked each year when COP reconvenes and is monitored by third parties like environmental nonprofits to hold nations accountable.
The Marine Conservation Institute is a global nonprofit that developed the MPAtlas, tracking the location marine protected areas and their level of protection. As of this year, only 3.5% of our oceans have meaningful protection from extractive activities like commercial fishing and mining. We have a ways to go to reach that 30% target…
What You Will Do:
To take action, email your representative and urge them to speak up for our existing MPAs and support the expansion of the MPA network prior to COP 2026 this October. Whether you live inland or on the coast, your voice matters and your representatives should be speaking up for our oceans.
Email Your Rep
Tips:
Introduce yourself: what is your name, where do you live, what motivated you to write today, etc
Include why this cause is meaningful to you
If you add any additional information, ensure it is fact checked and feel free to offer resources
Keep it respectful and professional
Always proofread!