Protected Area targets have been set globally, regionally, and sometimes at a country level. During the last decade, the global protected area targets that all country signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) committed to were the CBD's Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Specifically, Aichi Target 11 which stated that:
at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes by 2020.
The new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted in December 2022 at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15). CBD country signatories have committed to implementing the protected area target (Target 3) of the new GBF by the year 2030. The text of Target 3 is below:
Ensure and enable that by 2030 at least 30 per cent of terrestrial, inland water, and of 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.
Regionally, the Micronesia Challenge aims to effectively conserve at least 30% of near-shore marine resources and 20% of terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020. An example of a country-based target is Fiji that aims to have 30% of reefs protected by 2015 and 30% of waters managed as a marine protected area network by 2020. During the 24th Micronesia Island Forum in 2019, the Leaders recognized the success in the first 15 years of the Micronesia Challenge and endorsed the new Micronesia Challenge 2030 goals to effectively manage 50% of marine resources, including the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and 30% of terrestrial resources by 2030.
Below are various efforts that have been carried out to assess global and regional progress towards the Aichi protected area targets. The paper by Govan (2009) is the most comprehensive assessment of marine protected areas (MPAs), including all LMMAs in the Pacific Islands. Govan’s data has now been incorporated into the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). Several of the papers below attempt to assess progress towards targets which relate to factors such as management effectiveness, biodiversity coverage, governance and finance etc.
As we move closer to 2030, further technical guidance on implementing the new GBF Target 3 that becomes available will be added to the resources section below. Furthermore, the resources section will be updated as needed to include any new papers or guidance related to taking stock of national, regional and global progress in implementing the GBF Target 3.
Protecting 30% of the planet for nature: costs, benefits and economic implications
The current report, based on the work of over 100 economists/scientists, analyses the global economic implications of a 30% PA target for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and the PA/nature sector itself.
Quantifying longline bycatch mortality for pelagic sharks in western Pacific shark sanctuaries
Marine protected areas are increasingly touted for their role in conserving large marine predators such as sharks, but their efficacy is debated.
Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (BIORAP) Nauru (June 2013) - Synthesis Report : Key findings and recommendations
A BIORAP is a biological inventory programme undertaken in marine and terrestrial environments, and is designed to rapidly assess the biodiversity of highly diverse areas.
Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (BIORAP) of Republic of Nauru
The purpose of the Nauru BIORAP was to improve the state of knowledge of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, to provide a scientific basis for the conservation and management of nationally, regionally and globally important ecosystems and species.
Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (BIORAP) of the Vava'u Archipelago, Kingdom of Tonga (February 2014) - Full Report
The Biological Rapid Assessment Programme (BIORAP) is a biological survey based on a concept developed by Conservation International and designed to use scientific information to catalyse conservation action.
Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (BIORAP) Vava'u Group - Kingdom of Tonga (February 2014) - Synthesis Report : Key findings and recommendations
A BIORAP is a biological inventory programme undertaken in marine and terrestrial environments, and is designed to rapidly assess the biodiversity of highly diverse areas.
Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (BIORAP), Nauru. June 2013 - Synthesis Report
A BIORAP is a biological inventory programme undertaken in marine and terrestrial environments, and is designed to rapidly assess the biodiversity of highly diverse areas.
Rapid biodiversity assessment of key biodiversity areas: Falealupo peninsula coastal rainforest, central Savaii rainforest, and Uafato-Tiavea costal rainforest, Samoa
A Biological Rapid Assessment Program (BIORAP) was conducted from July 16 to August 3, 2016 in three Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Samoa: the Central Savai’i Rainforest KBA, and the Falealupo Peninsula Coastal Rainforest KBA on Savaii; and the Uafato-Tiavea Coastal Rainforest KBA on Upolu.
Rapid Biodiversity Assessment of Upland Savai'i, Samoa (BIORAP)
his BIORAP (Biological Rapid Assessment Program) survey was undertaken as part of the process to facilitate improved management of the forests and biodiversity of Upland Savaii.
Rapid Biological Assessments of the Nakanai Mountains and the upper Strickland Basin: surveying the biodiversity of Papua New Guinea’s sublime karst environments
The independent state of Papua New Guinea (PNG) occupies the eastern half of New Guinea, the world’s largest and highest tropical island and one of the last major tropical wilderness areas on earth.
Realising the Healthy Islands Vision through Cross-Sector, Planning, Data and Action : Policy Brief
Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries face a high risk of communicable disease outbreaks caused by endemic, emerging and re-emerging disease, which are influenced by social, economic and ecological changes.
Rebuilding marine life
Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the United Nations aims to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”.
Reef-Fidelity and Migration of Tiger Sharks, Galeocerdo cuvier, across the Coral Sea
Knowledge of the habitat use and migration patterns of large sharks is important for assessing the effectiveness of large predator Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), vulnerability to fisheries and environmental influences, and management of shark–human interactions.
Reimmanlok - Marshall Islands' National Conservation Area Plan
Global biodiversity loss is rapid and ongoing. International efforts are redoubling as the international community realizes the importance of biodiversity in maintaining our life support systems.
Report for the BIOPAMA PACIFIC REGIONAL INCEPTION WORKSHOP Apia, Samoa 11TH to 15TH June 2018
To formally launch the second phase of the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) programme, a regional inception workshop for the Pacific was held at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Apia, Samoa from 11th to 15th June 2018.
Report of the Sixth (6th) South Pacific Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas (PIRT), 29 September - 3 October 1997, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia : Volume 3 - Conference papers, / compiled and technically edited by Sue Miller and Joanna Sim.
The Sixth South Pacific Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas held in Palikir, Federated States of Micronesia, on 29 September 3 October 1997, continued the series of nature conservation conferences held in New Zealand (1975), Australia (1979), Western Samoa (1985), Vanuatu (198
Report on the 2016 Funafuti Community-based Ridge-To-Reef (R2R). Rapid biodiversity assessment of the conservation status of biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) in Tuvalu.
This report presents the results of the 2016 Funafuti Community-Based Ridge-to-Reef (R2R) Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (BIORAP) of biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES), hereafter referred to as the BIORAP.
Reptiles and Amphibians of the Trans-Fly Region, New Guinea
There are 102 species of reptiles and 25 species of frogs known from the Trans-fly region. 29 of the reptiles and one of the frogs are of special conservation concern. Seven of these species are of high conservation concern: 2 turtles, a monitor lizard, three snakes, and one frog.
Republic of Fiji National Ocean Policy 2020-2030
Fijians have been at the forefront of ocean action and leadership because it i our responsibility as an oceanic people. Fiji is a nation of over 300 islands whose past, present and future are intrinsically linked to the ocean.
Reshaping Natural Resource Management in Papua New Guinea
The growing need for effective tools and new approaches for natural resource management (NRM) is being met by PNG’s NRM Hub initiative, which is already helping to centralise environmental data and make it accessible to stakeholders everywhere.
Responsible marine wildlife viewing guidelines: a guide to industry best practice for viewing marine wildlife in the Pacific.
This guideline provides practical, science-based information for tourism operators and tourism regulators who want to offer the best possible experience to their customers, while conserving species and habitats and making a positive contribution to local communities.
Retaining natural vegetation to safeguard biodiversity and humanity
Global efforts to deliver internationally agreed goals to reduce carbon emissions, halt biodiversity loss, and retain essential ecosystem services have been poorly integrated.
Revenues for Nature Guidebook Series Nature-based Models for Unlocking Private Investment into Freshwater (Expanded Edition)
The R4N Guidebook Series provides an in-depth analysis of models across the globe that unlock private sector capital into nature restoration or protection, including nature-based solutions (NbS).
Review of Cetacean Diversity Status and Threats in the Pacific Island Region
This report brings together information on the status of and threats to whales and dolphins in the Pacific Islands region.
Review of legislation, policies, strategies and plans relating to the development of marine protected areas in Fiji
Fiji is committed to the sustainable use of its marine resources and conserving its marine biodiversity. This commitment has been ratified through Fiji’s international responsibilities and obligations under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD).
Rights of Nature: Perspectives for Global Ocean Stewardship
The development of a new international legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ agreement) is in the final negotiation phase.
Safeguarding Seafood Security, Marine Biodiversity and Threatened Species: Can We Have Our Fish and Eat It too?
The ocean contains an abundance of biodiversity that is vital to global food security. However, marine biodiversity is declining.
Saving the ocean and climate through innovative marine protected area finance mechanisms
Ocean threats: acidification, deoxygenation, warming, heatwaves. Do we have anything useful to bend, change, or reverse the results?
Scheduling incremental actions to build a comprehensive national protected area network for Papua New Guinea
Systematic conservation planning identifies priority areas to cost-effectively meet conservation targets. Yet, these tools rarely guide wholesale declaration of reserve systems in a single time step due to financial and implementation constraints.
Seed-dispersing animals are in decline, impacting forests and the climate: Study
A lot of attention has been paid to the decrease in bee populations and other pollinators, but a recent review article makes the case that we should be equally alarmed by the declining numbers of seed-dispersing animals, which are crucial for growing healthy forests.
Sepik Wetlands Management Initiative, Papua New Guinea
The Sepik River is the longest river on the island of New Guinea. The majority of the river flows through the Papua New Guinea provinces of Sandaun and East Sepik, with a small section flowing through the Indonesian province of Papua.
Sharks and rays of the Samoan archipelago: a review of their biological diversity, social and cultural values, and conservation status
Data on chondrichthyan (sharks, rays, and chimaeras) populations is largely lacking for many countries and territories in the Indo-Pacific. Aims.
Siporae Rainforest Conservation Area - Management Rules
In 2019 the Siporae Rainforest Protected Area was declared a protected area under the 2010 protected area ACT. It protects and conserves one of the last untouched rainforest ecosystems in Choiseul Province and Solomon Island.
Sirebe Rainforest Conservation Area - Management Rules
In 2019 The Sirebe Rainforest Conservation Area was declared a protected area under the 2010 protected area ACT. It protects and conserves one of the last untouched rainforest ecosystems in Choiseul Province and Solomon Islands.
Six key policy recommendations to advocate for marine conservation that matches the ocean’s dynamism
Marine ecosystems face threats from human-induced stressors like climate change, pollution, and habitat loss. Despite international endeavors, significant gaps remain in understanding ocean dynamics.
Social Assessment for Protected and Conserved Areas (SAPA) - 2nd Edition
In April 2013, IIED in partnership with Fauna and Flora International (FFI) and the UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), launched a project to develop and pilot the Social Assessment for Protected Areas methodology (SAPA).
Social Assessment for Protected Areas (SAPA)
This manual provides detailed guidance for assessing the social impacts – benefits and costs – of protected areas (PAs) and related conservation and development activities, at the local level using the relatively simple and low cost Social Assessment for Protected Areas (SAPA) methodology.
Solomon Islands Interactive Marine Atlas
While the ocean covers more than two thirds of the Earth’s surface, the oceanic territory of Solomon Islands is more than 47 times larger than its land territory. With an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 1.34 million km2, Solomon Islands is a large ocean state.
Solomon Islands National Marine Ecosystem Service Valuation
Solomon Islands is composed of almost 1000 islands and has the second longest coastline and the second largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Pacific.
SOLOMON ISLANDS NATIONAL OCEAN POLICY
Solomon Islanders are ocean people. We are not separate to our ocean: we are part of our ocean. It is reflected in our history, our culture, our traditions and in our day-to-day lives.
Solomon Islands National Plan of Action for Marine Turtles 2023-2027
It is through ministerial leadership with relevant stakeholders and partners’ collaboration that produces and finalizes the Solomon Islands National Plan of Action for Marine Turtles (NPOA) 2023-2027.
Solomon Islands Saltwater Crocodile Conservation and Management Plan 2023-2027
Reduce the risk of crocodile attack on people, while ensuring the long-term conservation and management of the species based on science, culture, and traditional knowledge for sustainable utilisation.
Solutions in Focus: Community-led successes in marine conservation
This booklet is part of a series of compilations assembling PANORAMA solution case studies on a defined topic. “Solutions in Focus” zooms in on a topic of interest covered by PANORAMA, allowing to explore common elements and shared learnings across success stories.
