Within the framework of the COP16the government of Mexicowith the support of the environmental organization WWFpresented the progress of its Roadmap to meet and exceed the Goal 3 from Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Frameworkknown as "Goal 30×30". This plan establishes key steps for the effective, inclusive and equitable conservation of the 30% of the country's terrestrial, aquatic and marine territory by 2030.
During the event, the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Alicia Bárcenatogether with Hannah Fairbankrepresentative of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and experts from WWFThe project's achievements and challenges were presented. The GEF Project Goal 3 has been a joint effort involving more than 300 stakeholders to develop measures for conservation and to add to the connectivity and representativeness of the ecosystems already protected. This project has also benefited countries such as Chile, Ecuador, Namibia, Nepal and Zimbabwe.
Mexico currently protects 14,28% of its land surface and 23,78% of its marine surface through 232 Natural Protected Areas (ANP) and 602 Voluntary Conservation Areas (ADVC), a significant step forward in the consolidation of the Goal 30×30. With this RoadmapThe country seeks to expand its conservation efforts, valuing also other effective conservation measures (OMEC) that recognize and reinforce the efforts of indigenous peoples and local communities in the protection of the ecosystems.
"In Mexico we have 99 million hectares protected. By 2030 we have to protect 30.8 million hectares of land and 19.6 million hectares of marine. It is an immense task. To reach the 30×30 goal we need to reach 153 million hectares and we no longer have the territory to be able to make the reserves we did in the past," said Bárcena.
The federal official proposed the creation of a national environmental restoration programto complement conservation initiatives, in addition to cross-cutting criteria for the integration of the OMECs, the participation of local communities and the creation of an inter-institutional technical group.
For its part, Jorge Rickards, Director General of WWF Mexico, emphasized that for this goal to be fully achieved, it is vital that the new administration include it in national planning and work on integrating the OMECs into Mexico's environmental regulatory framework.
"The Roadmap is not simply future planning, as many of its actions are already underway; now it is necessary to start joining efforts with a common goal," he commented.
The document presented not only establishes a framework of actions, but also a guide to align investments and policies from various government sectors, integrating the biodiversity in productive activities to highlight their interdependence with economic development.
This Roadmap is a step forward, but there is still a long way to go in terms of financing and cross-sectoral support to ensure its implementation, they noted.
Source: WWF