Biodiversity for Malaysia: Whither, the 30x30 Target?

We continue with Biodiversity for Malaysia on Earth Matters, a monthly series which wants to get everyone on the same page when it comes to biodiversity matters, all the issues surrounding the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 framework process, the 30X30 target and more. So we know that currently, about 17 percent of terrestrial, and eight percent of marine areas, are under some form of protection, but that in many cases, the effectiveness of their protected status is in doubt. This means the new 30x30 target - to protect at least 30% of Earth’s land and sea by 2030 - represents a significant commitment. But progress has been slow, and nations are still nowhere near a consensus. Governments are set to hold a fourth meeting of working groups at the end of June, before the adoption of the framework at the resumed UN Biodiversity Conference (COP-15) later this year in Kunming, China. Are we expecting much progress there? We speak to Julian Hyde, the General Manager of Reef Check Malaysia, and Alvin Chelliah, a Senior Programme Manager at Reef Check Malaysia, to discuss.

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