Strict marine protection

In the new biodiversity framework, governments agreed to protect at least 30% of the oceans by 2030, after years of difficult negotiations. This target is backed by extensive scientific research that shows how protecting our oceans will replenish marine populations and reinforce the oceans’ ability to act as carbon sinks, which will make the entire planet more resilient against the worst consequences of climate change.

In addition to protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030, EU countries also committed to ensure that one third of those areas (10%) is strictly protected. Marine protected areas can range from areas that only exclude the most harmful human activities to strictly protected ‘no-take zones’ where only minimal human activity is allowed (such as collecting scientific data). Research has consistently shown that stricter protection levels bring more conservation benefits. 

It is important that we hold governments accountable and ensure that new protected areas will be designated in reality.