By Rita El Zaghloul, High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People

The recent ‘Subregional Workshop on Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework for Latin American Countries’ in Punta Leona, Costa Rica, was the first workshop on 30×30 of the Latin American region co-organized by the Government of Costa Rica, the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC for N&P), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). 

The primary purpose of the workshop was to support Latin American countries, Indigenous peoples, local communities, and other stakeholders in achieving their commitments under Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) (Ensure and enable that by 2030 at least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, are effectively conserved and managed through ecologically representative, well-connected, and equitably governed systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, recognizing Indigenous and traditional territories where applicable, and integrated into wider landscapes, seascapes, and the ocean, while ensuring that any sustainable use, where appropriate in such areas, is fully consistent with conservation outcomes, recognizing and respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities, including over their traditional territories).

Achieving 30×30 is integral not only for the implementation of the GBF but also for numerous other global goals like those under the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, making it a vital part of the international agenda. This target closely aligns with SDGs 14 (life below water) and 15 (life on land), which aim to protect and conserve our oceans and terrestrial ecosystems, including by halting biodiversity loss. 

With the global relevance of GBF Target 3 in mind, the workshop served as a knowledge-sharing platform that provided a place for countries to share national progress on 30×30 implementation and identify major gaps, challenges, and opportunities for progress. 

Participants discussed the availability of support from regional partners and the tools and resources necessary for national-level implementation. This collaboration between the Government of Costa Rica, the CBD Secretariat, the HAC for N&P Secretariat, and other partners was an opportunity for capacity building and fostering dialogue among its participants.

Another significant focus of the workshop was on integrating human rights-based and gender-responsive approaches into biodiversity governance. The event also aimed to lead discussions on the different elements of Target 3, including other effective area-based conservation measures, connectivity, effectiveness, monitoring and reporting, transboundary conservation efforts, and regional cooperation, for the success of the implementation of 30×30. 

This workshop aimed to facilitate conversations and the exploration of opportunities among its attendees. Moreover, technical training was provided on using tools from the HAC for N&P to support Target 3 implementation, including practical sessions on the 30×30 Solutions Toolkit and the 30×30 Matchmaking Platform. Enhancing the technical, scientific, and capacity-building needs at the national level is vital for effective conservation efforts and achieving the quantitative and qualitative aspects of Target 3.

Participants also worked together to start developing national priority actions and roadmaps for achieving Target 3. These plans include short-term (2024-2026) and medium-term (2027-2030) actions, ensuring a strategic approach to conservation efforts. The identification and implementation of these priority actions will be crucial for making tangible progress towards the 2030 biodiversity targets.

Held from 9-13 June 2024, the Subregional Workshop on Target 3 in Punta Leona, Costa Rica, was an opportunity to foster regional collaboration, build capacity, and share information amongst countries and organizations.