Challenges beyond reaching a 30% of area protection

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Environmental Policy
• Socioeconomics

Background:

• The Convention on Biological Diversity aims to protect 30% of global areas by 2030 (30x30 target).
• Spain has already achieved high terrestrial protected area coverage (36%).
• Understanding challenges post-target achievement is crucial for effective conservation planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and discuss socioeconomic and management challenges arising from high protected area (PA) coverage.
• To propose strategies for addressing these challenges based on Spanish experiences.
• To inform practitioners and researchers planning for 30x30 goal implementation.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of protected areas (PAs) in Spain.
• Identification and categorization of challenges into three levels: PA governance/management, PA integrity, and the external landscape matrix.
• Review of existing research and practitioner experiences.

Main Results:

• High PA coverage presents challenges in governance, management, and maintaining PA integrity.
• Socioeconomic impacts and management complexities intensify with increased protected land.
• The landscape matrix outside PAs significantly influences conservation outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Quantitative protection targets alone are insufficient for biodiversity conservation.
• Enhancing engagement, participation, stewardship, and institutional resilience is vital.
• A cross-sectoral approach is necessary for socio-environmental goals, especially as nations approach high PA coverage.