A park ranger in the Democratic Republic of Congo faced an attack that resulted in the deaths of fellow rangers. In Cambodia, wildlife habitats are being threatened by mines and dams. Meanwhile, in the Amazon, illegal miners are adapting their strategies as officials work to clear them from Indigenous lands. These situations, highlighted by Mongabay, raise an important issue for governments regarding the real level of protection provided by designated protected areas. This question will be a focus for delegates attending COP17, the U.N. Biodiversity Conference in Yerevan, Armenia, from October 19 to 30. In 2022, nations committed to conserving at least 30% of terrestrial and freshwater areas and 30% of coastal and marine environments by 2030. Known as Target 3 or “30 by 30,” this commitment goes beyond just mapping new areas. It emphasizes the need for effective conservation, the connectivity of ecosystems, and respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities. COP17 will mark the first joint assessment of progress made under this agreement. Additionally, a new analysis by Earth Insight, along with the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas and other collaborators, shows that almost 62 million hectares (153 million acres) of protected and conserved lands are intersected by oil, gas, and mining operations, pointing to potential risks to global biodiversity goals. This information, released prior to the conference, underscores the challenges that lie ahead. What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of protected areas?
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Source: Mongabay Animals, by Malavikavyawahare