30x30 Ocean Action Plan 2025

30x30 Ocean Action Plan27 26SCALING UP PROTECTION: PROMISING AREAS CONSIDERED FOR PROTECTION To align efforts and gather momentum to accelerate our progress towards the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Target 3, this report assesses 25 large areas (over 100,000 km2) that have been discussed as potential areas for future protection (see Appendix 1). Whilst there are a multitude of smaller areas and sites being considered for protection, compiling all those efforts that are currently underway, and discussing each with the relevant stakeholders, was beyond the timeline and scope of the current report. The exclusion of smaller areas from this report, however, does not lessen their value in protecting marine ecosystems and providing benefits to people, nor their contribution in the push towards 30x30 and beyond. Additionally, this report does not propose a comprehensive list, nor does it posit that these areas will ultimately be designated as marine protected areas (MPAs) or other area-based management tools (ABMTs) in the future or at what level of protection. For a full description of methodologies and limitations, please see Appendix 2. The assessment of areas herein indicates that if they were realised, ocean protection would increase by 4.7%, bringing total global ocean protection from 9.6% to 14.3%. These areas can be categorised into those that are new, those that are expansions of current protections, and those that are protection efforts in the high seas under regional bodies and the UN Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). their protection to 30% within their EEZ, ocean protection would increase by approximately 4.1%.49 Whether this is achieved through a coherent network of community-led and managed smaller protected areas, a large-scale protected area that protects huge swathes of ocean, or a combination of both, coastal countries have an essential role to play in achieving the objectives of the 30x30 target. Outlined below are just a few examples from Appendix 1 of the potential role maritime countries can play in advancing marine protection. Current MPAsCurrent and projected protections to 30x30 New Expanding High Seas 30 largest EEZs reach 30% Remaining area to protect by 203030% of the Ocean11.7%9.6% 0.8% 1.6% 2.2% 4.1%New MPAs: Extending Global Coverage If the new large MPAs under potential consideration are realised, there would be an increase in current ocean protection by approximately 0.8%.47 Beyond these specific opportunities, broader national action could unlock even greater gains . For example, if the 30 countries48 with the largest exclusive economic zones (EEZs) that have not yet established protection for at least 30% of their waters increased Photo: Getty Images / iStockphoto