COP15, the United Nations Biodiversity Conference held in 2022 in Montreal, Canada, brought together nearly 200 countries to adopt the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), a comprehensive conservation strategy aimed at reversing global biodiversity loss. A key component of the framework is the COP15 “30×30” goal, which seeks to protect and conserve 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

Current Progress: Only 2.8% of Oceans are Effectively Protected

According to the latest data, only 8.3% of the world’s oceans will be designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in 2024, compared to the ambitious 30% agreed upon in the 2022 framework.

However, due to a multitude of loopholes, governmental instability, ongoing military efforts and war, only 2.8% of these areas can be considered under effective protection, which is even lower compared to the 8.3% of which 5.5% of these protected areas are managed insufficiently and carelessly allowing oil spills, industrial fishing, toxic waste disposal creating zero difference in biodiversity conditions.

Also Read: Delhi Braces For Worsening Air Quality As AQI Set To Drop To Very Poor Levels

Challenges Faced in Achieving the COP15 30×30 Goal

“On Track or Off Course? Assessing Progress Toward the 30×30 Target in the Ocean” was an expose report that entailed governmental practices after the pledge of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The report shed light on the lack of initiative most governments have taken as the pledges and promises only remain on paper.

Out of the 196 countries pleading in COP15, the Ocean Protection Goal remains a cloudy dream as only 29 have submitted the mandatory updates in accordance with the framework to protect their native aquatic biodiversity.

The head of the body of implementation of biodiversity negotiations at the UN foreseen such a circumstance at the very beginning of the project. As said by Chirra Achalender Reddy, the practice of this guideline and the appropriate work to be done would be complex and ambitious, with it being “not just a walk in the park.”

Like greenwashing, bluewashing has also risen to prominence as regions of water that may be considered “protected” aren’t necessarily safeguarding and facilitating the preservation of marine life. The UK has fallen victim to this, with 47% of its waters being classified as MPAs (Marine Protected Areas ), whereas in reality, less than 1% is actively following the framework and maintaining sustainable practices. The majority of the waters are still being polluted through littering, unsafe waste removal practices, and bottom trawling.

The report also highlighted the initiative taken by other countries where the Caribbean has signified 27 % of their waters as MPAs, but only 2.5% can be effectively considered protected. North America  fares a little better, with it claiming to protect 22% of its water and 17% of water being accurately protected .

Only a total of 14 countries have met the framework requirements of 30% or more of their waters as protected areas. Countries like Monaco with 100 %, Palau with 99%, the UK with 68%, Kazakhstan with 52%, and New Zealand with 49% performing exceeding expectations, while in terms of efficiency, Palau with 78% and the UK with 39% take the lead.

Although there has been a positive impact, a larger threat looms due to human incapacity: “Less than 3% of marine areas are truly protected. The gap between promise and action is huge. We need real change now, not just words on paper.” says Beth Pike, Director of the Marine Protection Atlas.

Also Read: Greenwashing Impacting Business Ethics

Calls for More Decisive Action at COP16

The next COP16 summit in California is crucial to initiate a more prominent global effort to meet the COP15 30×30 conservation goal set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

In the words of the director of policy at Birdlife International, “Having a plan is just the first step to making sure that you’re able to progress on implementation.” Nina Mikander urged governments to deliver their outstanding NBSAPs by the end of 2025, highlighting the importance of timely action in achieving the ambitious goals set out in the GBF.

Also Read: Artificial Nests Increase Breeding Success By 16.5% In Endangered African Penguins