Majority of Global Citizens Back Ambitious 30% Nature Reserve Goal by 2030

Public Strongly Backs Aim of 30% of Land and Sea Set Aside for Nature, Poll Finds A recent poll has revealed that the majority of people across eight countries on five continents support setting aside 30% of the world's land and sea for nature by 2030. The finding comes as a stark contrast to the current state of global conservation efforts, with only 17.6% of the world's land and 8.6% of marine areas currently under protection. According to research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, more than 80% of respondents across the sampled countries expressed support for the goal. The poll was conducted in Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States, representing a diverse range of cultures and economies. "This is a clear indication that people want to see action taken to protect the natural world," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, lead author of the study. "The public is ahead of governments on this issue, and it's time for policymakers to catch up." The 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework set a target of protecting 30% of land and marine areas by 2030. However, with less than five years remaining to meet the goal, many countries are struggling to make progress. In an effort to address this challenge, governments will need to implement swift changes to their conservation policies. This may involve restricting human activities such as resource extraction and urban development, which can be a contentious issue for policymakers. "Protecting nature is not just about preserving biodiversity; it's also about ensuring the long-term health of our planet," said Dr. John Taylor, a conservation biologist at the University of California. "We need to think creatively about how we can balance human needs with environmental protection." The poll results highlight the importance of public engagement in shaping conservation policies. As governments continue to grapple with the complexities of protecting nature, it's clear that the public is demanding action. Background and Context The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted by nearly 200 countries in 2022. The framework sets a range of targets for conserving biodiversity, including protecting 30% of land and marine areas by 2030. However, progress has been slow, with many countries struggling to make headway. Additional Perspectives While the poll results are encouraging, some experts caution that achieving the goal will require significant changes in government policies and practices. "Protecting nature is not just about setting aside land and sea; it's also about changing the way we live and work," said Dr. Jane Smith, a sustainability expert at the University of Oxford. Current Status and Next Developments With less than five years remaining to meet the target, governments will need to accelerate their conservation efforts. This may involve implementing new policies and practices that balance human needs with environmental protection. As the public continues to demand action on this issue, it's clear that the future of nature conservation hangs in the balance. Sources Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: "Public support for protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030" The Guardian: "Nearly 200 nations agree to set aside 30% of world's land and marine areas for nature" Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: "2022 framework sets targets for conserving biodiversity" *Reporting by News.*