Photo by David Clode

Widespread public support exists for the ambitious 30×30 biodiversity target, according to groundbreaking research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The University of Gothenburg study surveyed over 12,000 people across eight countries on five continents, finding robust backing for protecting 30% of Earth’s land and oceans by 2030.

The research measured public opinion in Argentina, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Spain, Sweden, South Africa, and the United States during 2024, representing the first comprehensive assessment of global opinion on the target enshrined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Ambitious conservation goals gain legitimacy

The 30×30 target forms a cornerstone of what researchers describe as one of the most ambitious environmental agreements ever negotiated, often called the “Paris Agreement for nature.” Adopted at COP15 in Montreal in 2022, the framework stipulates that 30% of the world’s land, oceans, and waterways should be protected by 2030.

The study reveals dramatic conservation baseline differences between countries. In Sweden, about 15% of the land area is already protected, whilst countries such as Argentina, India, and South Africa would need to triple their protected areas to reach the target.

Public support is significantly influenced by policy design, with fairness in cost-sharing increasing backing whilst higher taxation or restricted access reduces support. For marine conservation, the cross-continental support provides crucial political foundation for ambitious ocean protection initiatives.

The findings emerge as momentum builds around the target, with the High Ambition Coalition now numbering 68 countries. Despite strong public backing, achieving 30×30 requires unprecedented increase in area-based conservation and depends on political action for successful implementation by 2030.