Protecting the oceans: New goals for biodiversity agreed by 2030!

Protecting the oceans: New goals for biodiversity agreed by 2030!

An international team led by Jan-Claas Dajka from the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) recently examined the effectiveness of the biodiversity targets adopted in 2022. These goals have been signed by numerous countries as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The treaty calls for at least 30 percent of global land and sea area to be protected by 2030. This represents a significant improvement over the Aichi targets adopted in 2010, which were criticized as inadequate due to many unmeasurable resolutions. Dajka highlights that the Kunming-Montreal Treaty offers a new strategic plan with robust, science-based objectives.

The current study analyzed scientific papers on marine biodiversity as well as political agreements between 2010 and 2020. The researchers identified six important biodiversity variables that are crucial for monitoring marine biodiversity. These include the spatial distribution of a species, genetic variability, external characteristics and the structure of ecosystems. The study emphasizes that fundamental indicators such as species numbers and genetic diversity are central to progress in nature conservation. Secondary classes such as ecosystem structure and function are also important but should not be overemphasized. Dajka calls on political institutions to implement these findings by developing appropriate indicators at the national level and taking science-based measures.

Global biodiversity efforts

In the context of this study, the 15th World Nature Conference took place in Montreal, Canada, in 2025, at which states parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) decided on the “Global Biodiversity Framework”. The main goals are to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2030 and reverse the trend. This includes long-term goals up to 2050 as well as 23 specific goals for 2030. In addition to the requirement to protect at least 30 percent of land and water, it also emphasizes that the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities must be safeguarded. By 2030, 30 percent of the damaged ecosystems on land and in the sea should be restored to nature.

Funding plays a critical role in these efforts. The countries of the Global North have committed to investing $20 billion annually in the Global South by 2025, and this amount is expected to increase to $30 billion per year by 2030. Overall, the aim is to invest $200 billion annually worldwide in the protection of biological diversity by 2030.

Threats to marine biodiversity

Scientists around the world are warning about the threat to marine biodiversity. According to a survey by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), over two-thirds of the 60 ocean experts surveyed consider climate change to be the biggest threat to marine health. Other risks include overfishing and changes to marine habitats. Nevertheless, 45 percent of respondents are optimistic as they see progress in research and policy. However, faster and more ambitious international action is needed to ensure the health of the oceans.

Regional approaches to sustainable fisheries management are already showing positive results and the MSC is calling for the signing of the Global Agreement to Protect High Seas Biodiversity (BBNJ). At least 60 states must join this agreement for it to come into force. A central aspect of this agreement is the protection of biodiversity in marine areas that lie outside national territorial waters. Dr. Beth Polidoro from the MSC emphasizes the need to promote sustainable fisheries and create appropriate policy frameworks.

In summary, the current developments and research results make it clear that global politics has improved with regard to the protection of biodiversity. Nevertheless, the challenge is great and the need for action to secure marine biological diversity remains urgent.