Caribbean
30×30
Building a Better Future for the Region
Caribbean
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Stay updated with the latest information about the Caribbean 30×30 goal, and the developments shaping our region.
What is the
Caribbean 30×30?
The 30 by 30 target is a worldwide initiative for governments to designate 30% of Earth’s land and ocean area as protected areas by 2030. There are currently 2 major political initiatives working jointly to promote 30×30 globally:
- The Costa Rica and France led High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People has a central goal of protecting at least 30% of the world’s lands and oceans by 2030; and
- The United Kingdom-led Global Ocean Alliance (GOA) focuses specifically on the conservation of marine biodiversity and resources.
Both the HAC and GOA are working towards the 30×30 goal. However the HAC’s emphasis on protecting both land and ocean-based resources has made it a popular programme for ambitious governments around the world. Currently over 95 countries are currently working towards meeting the 30×30, and 12 Caribbean nations are participating as either HAC or GOA members.
Caribbean HAC & GOA Members
Antigua & Barbuda
Barbados
Belize
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
St Vincent & the Grenadines
Trinidad & Tobago
Currently, only 7% of oceans and 15% of land are designated as protected. In order to meet the goal, the HAC has been gathering pledges from global governments ahead of signing the major biodiversity treaty in April. The Caribbean has an important role to play in the 30×30 target. One of the most biodiverse regions in the world, with vast ocean and land resources, the region has the potential to become the leader in global conservation.
Call to Action
The 30×30 target is a global one. Countries are encouraged to leverage this ambition to set viable protected areas based on their national circumstances.
Collectively 12 Caribbean nations have joined the fight to strongly advocate for a global 30×30 target. However, real impact requires everyone in our region to play a role.
In addition to this, the HAC acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples have been among the most effective stewards of biodiversity. We can only achieve the goal of protecting at least 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030 with the leadership of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and with full respect of their rights.
Hear from our Regional Leaders
“It is vitally important for strong action to be taken in regards to the protection of our lands and seas. We have a small window in which to act to safeguard future generations. The science is clear, protecting 30% of our planet’s natural areas by 2030 can have significant effects on mitigating climate change, as well as providing opportunities for local communities in the Caribbean to become more resilient and economically competent. Taking on climate change is a global challenge, and it needs global solutions and input. Caribbean countries like Grenada are no stranger to the impacts of a changing climate, and our communities have continually worked towards implementing sustainable solutions that would protect them for years to come. Taking on the 30x30 challenge ensures we are protecting our environment, our economy and our people, advancing strong action against climate change and securing a sustainable future.”
"Barbados is proud to be pursuing the 30x30 target alongside several other Caribbean nations. This target is one the region should take on together as its benefits will only compound and increase as other countries join and protect our natural resources. Being able to conserve our oceans and lands ensures that we continue to develop sustainably while building our resilience and adapting to the impacts of climate change. This is an important goal to reach for Barbados, the Caribbean, and the planet. Together we can achieve many things, and we should see the 30x30 target as the first step towards a better future.”
“Protecting our region’s unique biodiversity is a must. We are a product of our environment - protecting our reefs, forests, coastal areas and other green spaces ensure that we are protecting ourselves as well as future generations. The latest IPCC report is clear, we must act now to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, and the HAC 30x30 target provides us with a pathway towards doing just that. Jamaica, and the Caribbean region as a whole, have advanced innovative sustainable solutions. We must lead as models of resilience and climate action, and by taking part in the 30x30 goal, we are leading by example and showcasing what the Caribbean can achieve. ”
“The Caribbean needs local solutions to build resilience and fight climate change - the 30x30 target provides us with an opportunity to do just that. Protecting our natural areas should be a priority for our region, and the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator has always supported projects that aim to maintain the Caribbean’s biodiversity while building our communities’ resilience. These types of forward-thinking, science-based policies are needed now more than ever and will offer a wide range of benefits for the region, and the world at large. We look forward to engaging with local stakeholders on the 30x30 target and to implement the right solutions for the Caribbean and its people.”
"It is important for us to be the change we want to see. It's very easy for us as SIDS to point to the big culprits behind climate change and require them to undertake certain measures that we ourselves are not. The key to us reaching this 30x30 goal is not to just focus on land, but also our sea-space. In the OECS our sea-space is roughly 83 times our land space. There is an interconnection between what happens on land, and what happens in the sea - they cannot be separated. We need to take a holistic and integrated approach to this.”
"Here in the Caribbean, we are on the frontline of climate change. We have witnessed first-hand the degradation of our natural areas and the communities they support. As such, seeing policy-makers pursue the 30x30 goal with the aim of having our region’s voice heard in global biodiversity efforts to safeguard natural resources for the next generation is heartening. The 30x30 goal can have a widespread impact on our planet and alleviate some of the pressures the Caribbean faces as a result of climate change. The CBF was borne out of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative – with its ambitious 20x20 goal, so the CBF is pleased to play its part in continuing the important work of promoting change across the region, and this target will go a long way in doing just that."
"The Caribbean is one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change. This has become increasingly evident in recent years as communities face more intense storms, coastal erosion, loss of critical marine and coastal habitats, freshwater scarcity, and diminished livelihoods. The Nature Conservancy uses science-guided, nature-based solutions, like marine spatial planning and coastal habitat restoration, to support biodiversity and improve the resilience and adaptive capacity of communities. We are proud to work with our regional and global partners to advance the 30x30 goal and help build a safer, more resilient future for more than 40 million people throughout the Caribbean."
Series of Livestreams
Livestream with CCSA CEO Racquel Moses and OECS Director Dr. Didacus Jules, where we discussed the importance of the 30×30 goal to the Caribbean.
Livestream with Hon. Simon Stiell and Hon. Matthew Samuda, where we discussed the Caribbean Outlook on the 30×30 Target.
The Impacts
The Caribbean is no stranger to the damage caused by climate change and human activities in the region. Losing natural areas has serious consequences on the health of local communities. Conserving our oceans, freshwater systems and lands ensures clean air and drinking water as well as our ability to protect our communities from severe weather, floods, catastrophic wildfires, and other impacts of the climate crisis.
Globally we are living through a mass extinction event that is exacerbating the climate crisis. One million plant and animal species face extinction. We have lost 60% of terrestrial wildlife and 90% of big ocean fish. Biodiversity loss is one of the greatest systemic risks for our economies, already generating costs in the trillions of USD from storm damage, insurance claims and reduced crop productivity. Caribbean communities across the region are already witnessing these issues firsthand. Solutions are available!
Why the 30×30?
The 30×30 goal ensures a prosperous future for the Caribbean community by protecting its natural resources and biodiversity.
Protecting ecosystems could provide a third of the climate mitigation needed by 2030
Could safeguard 500 gigatonnes of carbon stored in vegetation and soils
Play a fundamental role in buffering against the outbreak of new diseases like COVID-19
Support 30 million jobs in ecotourism and sustainable fisheries
Support $500 billion of GDP in ecotourism and sustainable fisheries,
Directly add 650,000 new jobs in conservation management
Fully protected areas can help restore fish populations by over 600%
30×30 and
The CBD
The Convention on Biological Diversity will hold this year its 15th Conference of the parties where global new biodiversity targets will be agreed to by members of this international convention. The Caribbean sits amongst the global small islands of the world who make up 1/5th of the membership of the CBD. Our collective voice can make a significant difference in deciding the future and health of our Planet.
The voice of 12 nations is just not enough. We need your support in ensuring that the region has adequate financing, technical resources and capacity necessary to ensure its long-term economic future. This can only be possible if the world stands united with the science that shows that 30×30 gives us a fighting chance.
Our Partners
The Campaign for Nature is a partnership of the Wyss Campaign for Nature, National Geographic Society, and a growing coalition of more than 100 conservation organizations around the world that is calling on policymakers to commit to a science-driven, ambitious new deal for nature at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Kunming, China.
Established in 2012, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) is the realization of a bold vision to create reliable, long-term funding for conservation and sustainable development in the Caribbean region. The CBF and a group of National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) together form the Caribbean Sustainable Finance Architecture.
The Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI) is a coalition of governments , companies and partners working together to accelerate action on the marine and coastal environment.
Founded in 2008 by a group of Caribbean governments eager to enhance the conservation of their marine and coastal resources, the CCI has since grown to include private sector membership and garner over US $75 million in funding commitments. CCI Governments and territories signed a CCI Leaders Declaration in May 2013 committing them to the protect and conserve 20 % of their marine and coastal resources by 2020. CCI companies committed to changing business practices and supporting the conservation actions of the CCI Leaders Declaration by endorsing the CCI Corporate Compact.
Founded in 2008 by a group of Caribbean governments eager to enhance the conservation of their marine and coastal resources, the CCI has since grown to include private sector membership and garner over US $75 million in funding commitments. CCI Governments and territories signed a CCI Leaders Declaration in May 2013 committing them to the protect and conserve 20 % of their marine and coastal resources by 2020. CCI companies committed to changing business practices and supporting the conservation actions of the CCI Leaders Declaration by endorsing the CCI Corporate Compact.
At the CCI Summit of Business and Political Leaders held on, Necker Island in the BVI, the home of Sir Richard Branson on May 17 - 18, 2013, the second Phase of the CCI was launched.
Since the Summit, the CCI Governments have put in place a permanent Secretariat, currently hosted by the Government of Grenada, to manage the operations of the CCI. A CCI Council and an Extended Secretariat (to include partner organizations providing direct assistance to the CCI Secretariat) is currently being developed to allow enhanced collaboration between CCI governments, companies and partner organizations to support the CCI's objectives.
A strategic plan for Phase Two of the CCI was finalized in early 2014 and CCI governments are currently working to complete their CCI National and Territories Action Plans and a CCI Regional Action Plan by the end of 2014.
In 2006, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held its eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP). Recognising the specific challenges and vulnerabilities faced by islands, particularly Small Island Developing States, a programme of work was adopted specifically to significantly reduce the loss of biodiversity on islands (decision viii/1). Healthy ecosystems underpin sustainable livelihoods, health and poverty eradication.
The decision further called on “Parties to establish national, sub-regional, regional and international island partnerships that bring Governments and civil society organizations together to increase political, financial and technical support to accelerate the implementation of the programme of work on island biodiversity".
Inspired by this call, the leaders of Palau, Seychelles, Republic of Marshall Islands, Grenada and the British Virgin Islands came together to catalyse this into reality, and the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) was born.
Protecting nature’s beauty and biodiversity throughout this paradise of islands and sea
The Caribbean is one of the world’s most biologically diverse marine regions. Home to iconic wildlife and vulnerable coastal communities, the region's once abundant ocean, coasts and coral reefs have suffered alarming decline. For more than 40 years, TNC has been protecting the breathtaking beauty that makes the Caribbean the unique paradise that it is and the resources that sustain the millions who live there.
The Accelerator is an entrepreneurial engine that catalyzes and accelerates priority initiatives toward a Climate-Smart Zone, delivering resilience, social development, and broad-based economic growth for the Caribbean.
Our central objective is to help transform the region’s economy by fast-tracking sound public and private investment opportunities that support climate action and economic growth through sustainable development.
Drawing on the deep experience of our nations and institutions, a group of twenty-seven visionary Caribbean Governments, alongside some of the largest global companies, financial institutions, and foundations have joined The Accelerator to make the Caribbean a beacon of climate-smart development.
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Want to learn more about 30×30 and how you can help? Contact us now!
