In 2021, 196 countries signed a landmark biodiversity agreement aimed at preserving the Earth’s ecosystems. Known as the 30 by 30 initiative, this agreement set a goal of protecting 30% of the world’s land and marine areas by 2030. Next week, an important conference will take place in Cali, Colombia, where global delegates will assess the progress achieved so far. Currently, around 17% of terrestrial and 10% of marine areas are protected, signaling the need for further action to meet the 30 by 30 target. The conference, officially called COP16, will focus on reviewing these efforts and creating mechanisms to ensure countries meet the agreed goals. Additionally, the meeting will address raising the necessary funding—$200 billion annually by 2030—to support biodiversity efforts, especially in developing nations, which contain much of the world’s biodiversity.

The challenge of meeting biodiversity targets stems from the need for coordination across various governmental sectors, businesses, and communities. The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity reported that while more than 90 countries have submitted biodiversity targets, fewer than half have provided detailed plans to achieve them. Conservationists, such as those from the World Wildlife Fund, have raised concerns about the insufficient actions in these plans, particularly regarding species extinction and invasive species. Technological advancements, including satellite monitoring, have improved the ability to track progress, but experts argue that more substantial efforts are needed. Financing remains a crucial issue, with developed nations expected to contribute significantly to help poorer countries meet their conservation goals. The outcomes of this conference will be critical in shaping the future of global biodiversity conservation.