Ocean Protection Needs $15.8 Billion

30x30 Target:

1. The 30×30 target is included as Target 3 in the draft Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). It aims to:
   1. Conserve at least 30% of global terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.
   2. Use both protected areas and Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), such as community-managed forests or indigenous territories.
   3. Ensure that these areas are effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative, and well-connected.
2. This goal is more ambitious than the previous Aichi Target 11, which aimed to protect 17% of land and 10% of marine areas by 2020.

United Nations Ocean Conference:

1. The UN Ocean Conference is a global gathering organized by the United Nations to address the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources
2. It is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14).
3. It brings together governments, UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, civil society, scientists, the private sector, Indigenous Peoples, and other stakeholders to assess challenges, share solutions, and mobilize action for ocean health.
4. The conference focuses on issues like marine pollution, overfishing, climate change impacts, and biodiversity loss, aiming to foster partnerships and commitments for sustainable ocean governance.

Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3):

1. The third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.
2. It is taking place in Nice, France, from June 9–13, 2025, with the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”
3. The 2025 conference includes plenary sessions, Ocean Action Panels, and a resulting Nice Ocean Action Plan, comprising a political declaration and voluntary commitments.

Category

Details

1. Investment Needed

1. $15.8 billion annually to meet the 30x30 target

2. Current Investment

2. $1.2 billion annually

3. Funding Gap

3. $14.6 billion annually

4. Contribution of Oceans

4. Generates 50% of global oxygen- Absorbs carbon and regulates climate, $2.6 trillion in annual economic value, Supports 7% of global trade (shipping, tourism, fisheries, marine energy)

5. Protection Status

5. 8.6% of oceans under protection, Only 2.7% effectively protected

6. Financial Distribution

6. 90% of funding is public, 78% spent domestically, 12% from Official Development Assistance (ODA)    

7. Funding Appeal

7. Developed nations are urged to contribute $20 billion/year by 2025 and $30 billion/year by 2030.

8. Equity in Contributions

8. Norway and Sweden are meeting their fair share. Most developed nations are contributing less than 50% of expected share

Challenges

Way Forward

1. Huge Financing Gap: $14.6 billion shortfall annually

1. Mobilize global funds through innovative mechanisms like Blue Bonds and Debt-for-Nature Swaps

2. Unenforced MPAs: Only 2.7% of oceans are effectively protected

Improve monitoring, staffing, and enforcement of existing Marine Protected Areas

3. Low Political Will: Few coastal countries have concrete 30x30 action plans

Push for binding international commitments and accountability mechanisms through UNOC3

4. Inequitable Financial Contributions: Only a few countries are paying their fair share

Ensure equitable burden-sharing, especially by developed nations

5. Over-reliance on Public Funding

Encourage private investments post-2030, especially from impact investors and climate funds

6. Harmful Subsidies for fishing and fossil fuels

Repurpose subsidies toward conservation and community-led ocean stewardship

7. Climate and Policy Fragmentation

Promote integrated marine spatial planning and blue economy strategies

Ensure IAS Mains Question:

Q. The 30x30 target for ocean protection is critical for ecological balance and economic sustainability, yet it faces significant challenges." Discuss the ecological and economic significance of the 30x30 target and analyze the key challenges in achieving it. (250 words)

Ensure IAS Prelim MCQ:

Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the ‘30x30 Target’ for ocean protection:

1. It aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
2. The current annual investment in ocean protection is $15.8 billion.
3. Only 2.7% of the world’s oceans are effectively protected.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer: b
Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: The 30x30 target aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
2. Statement 2 is incorrect: The current annual investment in ocean protection is $1.2 billion, not $15.8 billion, which is the required amount to meet the 30x30 target.
3. Statement 3 is correct: Only 2.7% of the world’s oceans are effectively protected as per the report.