Human Rights NGOs have just released a joint statement in the run-up to December’s COP15 on biodiversity, denouncing the planned target of protecting 30% of Earth by 2030 (“30x30”).

In the statement, the organisations warn that without serious overhaul, the proposed plan, which is being considered as part of the Global Biodiversity Framework being negotiated at the conference, could devastate the lives of Indigenous Peoples and other local communities whilst diverting attention away from the real drivers of biodiversity and climate collapse.

A key concern is that without much stronger safeguards, strictly Protected Areas will likely make up the bulk of the 30×30 target. This model, a cornerstone of mainstream, western-led conservation efforts, has led to widespread human rights violations and food insecurity across Africa and Asia. The plan has also be brought forward with little scientific basis or a credible review of the effectiveness of existing protected areas.

“This plan risks being a superficial make-over of a conservation paradigm that is failing both people and biodiversity when what we need is a root and branch reform of how we protect our natural heritage, founded on the rights of the communities who live in and depend on these areas.” - Joe Eisen, RFUK Executive Director

The organisations call for any conservation targets included as part of a new Global Biodiversity Framework to give priority to the recognition and protection of collective rights of Indigenous Peoples and other local communities.