What Does the Global Biodiversity Framework Mean for Protected and Conserved Areas?

The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), agreed by signatory states of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in December 2022, is the latest and most ambitious plan to date to halt and reverse global biodiversity loss. Target 3 aims to conserve at least 30% of land, inland water and marine ecosystems in protected and conserved areas by 2030 (the 30 × 30 target). This target contains many elements and this chapter discusses the most important ways in which the GBF will influence conservation. Nine issues are identified: (1) the level of ambition inherent in the 30% target itself; (2) inclusion of inland waters in the wording, reflecting particularly severe threats to freshwater biodiversity; (3) increased ambition for protection of coastal and marine areas, including the high seas; (4) emphasis on a new conservation mechanism, ‘other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs); (5) Inclusion of indigenous and traditional territories as a third category within 30 × 30; (6) the importance of effectiveness; (7) coupled with equitable management; (8) integration of protected areas and OECMs into wider landscapes and seascapes; and (9) additional emphasis on the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. The politics behind the decisions taken at the CBD meeting are analysed.