Protected Planet Report 2024

October 30, 2024

The Protected Planet Report 2024 was released during COP16. This report tracks progress since the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) was adopted at COP15 in 2022. A key goal of this framework is the 30×30 target, which aims to protect 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.

Current Progress on Protected Areas

Right now, 17.6% of terrestrial and inland waters are protected. Marine areas have 8.4% protection. To meet the 30×30 target, we need to double land protection and triple marine protection by 2030. Progress has been sluggish. In May 2021, only 16.64% of land and 7.74% of marine areas were protected.

Global Performance

Fifty-one countries exceed the 30% protection target for land. Thirty-one countries meet this target at sea. Over two-thirds of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are at least partially protected. However, only a quarter of ecoregions have over 30% protection. Less than 20% of critical ecosystem areas are currently protected.

Inland Water Protection

For the first time, the report includes data on inland water. It shows that 16.5% of wetlands and 18% of rivers and streams are protected. In marine protected areas, only 2.8% of the ocean is in highly protected zones, limiting extractive activities.

Governance and Indigenous Lands

Data on the governance of protected areas is scarce. Only 0.22% of land and 0.001% of marine areas have governance assessments. Indigenous and traditional territories cover at least 13.6% of global land. However, only 3.95% of protected areas are governed by Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLC). Shared governance covers 11.84% of these areas.

Challenges Ahead

Implementing Target 3 fully poses challenges. More connectivity and effectiveness of protected areas are needed. Funding, stakeholder engagement, and pollution control are critical for the success of these areas. The report stresses that progress cannot be achieved in isolation.

Livestock and Soil Health

While livestock contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, they also enhance soil carbon storage. A report by Soil Association Exchange marks that mixed farms with both livestock and crops store more soil organic carbon than arable-only farms.

Research Findings

Data from 685 farms in the UK shows that mixed farms have 33% more soil organic carbon. On average, these farms have 5.74% organic matter and 3.34% soil organic carbon. Arable-only farms have lower levels, averaging 2.54% SOC. Mixed farms with cows and sheep have higher SOC levels than those with only crops.

Impact on Biodiversity and Community

Mixed enterprise farms support greater plant diversity. The study assessed six impact areas: soil health, carbon, biodiversity, animal welfare, water, and community impacts. The National Farmers Union aims for the UK farming sector to achieve Net Zero by 2040, denoting the need for sustainable practices.

Livestock are crucial for soil health and biodiversity. Despite their contribution to emissions, they play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting rural communities. Sustainable farming practices will be key to balancing these challenges.

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