IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA)

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, provides a framework for the effective implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) through four goals and 23 targets. Target 3 (known as the ‘30x30 target’) calls on Parties to conserve at least 30% of terrestrial, inland waters, and coastal and marine areas by 2030. These guidelines are designed to promote good practices relating to identifying, reporting, monitoring and strengthening OECMs.

This report covers both terrestrial and marine protected and conserved areas (PCAs). The audience is practitioners and policymakers who seek background information on the role of PCAs in climate change mitigation to:
- develop policies that enhance biodiversity and climate change simultaneously;
- quantify the importance of PCAs as a mechanism to reduce GHG emissions in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the Paris Agreement;

This guidance aims to inform the planning, design, and implementation of new and expanded MPAs, OECMs, areas conserved by Indigenous peoples, and networks of protected and conserved areas at the community, national, and international levels. It focuses on why it is important to consider climate change in MPA1 planning, and how new areas can be established in ways that build climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation.

Protected and conserved areas (PCAs) have been proven to provide enormous value to nature, people and the economy. They are an effective means by which species, habitats and ecosystems can be conserved, restored and sustainably utilised. This Guide provides detailed frameworks, descriptions and insights into the use of conservation finance solutions to achieve PCA outcomes.