The High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People aims to protect at least 30% of the world's oceans and land by 2030, mobilizing over 120 countries to take urgent action for biodiversity and climate health.
The ocean is under siege, and science indicates that the only path to a healthier future is through the protection of at least 30% of our oceans. This ambitious goal requires countries to be engaged, proactive, and willing to scale up their efforts rapidly. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated; nature takes time to recover, and the clock is ticking. A livable future is at stake, and the race is on.
My name is Rita Zaglul, and I am part of a small team of eight working within the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People. We collaborate with over 120 countries and 42 organizations, co-chaired by Costa Rica and France. Our monumental task is to protect at least 30% of our planet's land and ocean by 2030, focusing on areas crucial for biodiversity.
The HAC was launched at the One Planet Summit in 2021, but its roots trace back to the 74th United Nations General Assembly. It was during this assembly that Costa Rica first advocated for the protection of at least 30% of the planet's land and ocean by 2030. Costa Rica has been a pioneer in this effort, having worked for over a decade to expand its marine protected areas despite facing significant opposition from various sectors, including fishing and political representatives.
Costa Rica's achievement of the 30x30 goal in a remarkably short time serves as an inspiration for other nations. The country has demonstrated that with the right momentum and political will, significant progress can be made. Following Costa Rica's lead, countries such as Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, the Seychelles, and the Dominican Republic have also ramped up their ambitions and actions towards achieving this critical goal.
The HAC acts as a connector, providing a matchmaking service that links countries with organizations to ensure they receive the necessary technical and financial assistance. A prime example of this is our work with Madagascar, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, where only 0.9% of its waters are currently protected. We are mobilizing funding to host the first 30x30 National Workshop in Madagascar, engaging with heads of state, government officials, and local communities to foster collaboration in conservation efforts.
The United Nations General Assembly is a unique opportunity for governments to unite and address critical global issues. We leverage this platform to bring together various stakeholders, connecting the ambition of 30x30 with the technical experts who are actively working to protect our oceans. It is essential to translate political will into actionable policies that safeguard our lands and seas.
Since the inception of the HAC, we have witnessed significant progress towards achieving the 30x30 goal. However, much more work remains to be done. Protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 is not just a possibility; it is a necessity. We must accelerate our efforts and work collaboratively to cross the finish line efficiently.
The future of our planet depends on our ability to protect our oceans and biodiversity. The High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People is committed to this cause, and with the collective efforts of nations and organizations, we can make a substantial impact. The time for action is now, and together, we can envision a healthier, more sustainable planet for generations to come.
