The Challenge

  The global effort to protect biodiversity faced a critical gap— before 2022 there was no official global target for biodiversity protection, many governments lacked concrete pledges, and those who made pledges often failed to act on them. This is where the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) started its effort in 2019, when it was created to secure the agreement to protect at least 30% of our planet's oceans and land(known as 30x30 target). Since the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework which includes target 3, the HAC has been working on pushing and supporting governments  to commit and act to protect at least 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. Since its inception, HAC has rapidly expanded its mission, signing up 120 countries to the 30×30 target and doubling its signatories since 2021.

Now, the urgent challenge is ensuring that governments follow through on these commitments. This means stopping illegal land grabs, preventing resource extraction, and halting illegal overfishing in protected areas. In addition, HAC is working with policymakers to expand protected zones, boost financial investments, provide technical expertise, and build cross-party political support at local, national, and international levels.

Their Solution and Impact

Co-chaired by Costa Rica and France, with the UK as the oceans champion, HAC played a pivotal role in securing the 30×30 agreement at COP15 (United Nations Biodiversity Conference) in 2022. Currently, only 17% of the world’s land and 8% of its oceans are protected. HAC is working to help governments go beyond their pledges, pushing for these commitments to be translated into actions, sustaining political momentum, and addressing financial and technical barriers.

A key component of this effort is the 30×30 Solutions Toolkit, designed to help countries move swiftly toward their goals. The toolkit shares scientific research, best practices, and replicable actions to guide governments in protecting endangered areas. It offers practical roadmaps to help governments act urgently and effectively.

 Another key tool is the HAC’s financial and technical matchmaking tool which also plays a crucial role. Governments can request specific types of assistance, drawing from HAC’s global network of over 60 partners, including other governments, NGOs, and international organisations. This ensures that the right support reaches governments to meet their needs.

HAC’s efforts have already led to significant progress, with member countries enacting or strengthening conservation laws. For instance, Chile expanded its marine protection area by 1.5 million square kilometres in 2022.

On the ground, HAC supports Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), working specifically with the International Indigenous Forum for Biodiversity(IIFB ) creating a specific taskforce on IPLCs within the HAC. These communities are putting their traditional knowledge and rights at the heart of conservation efforts. In Canada, Australia, and Rapa Nui (Easter Island), this approach has helped protect ancestral lands and establish South America’s largest multiple-use marine protected area.

The Future

HAC is led by Rita Maria El Zaghloul, former Minister Counsel at Costa Rica’s UN Permanent Mission. Her small but powerful team is vital to turning pledges into global action.

HAC’s adaptable solution aims to extend and improve protection and provide support specially to developing countries in reaching the global goal of 30x30. With ocean conservation lagging behind land protection, HAC is prioritizing efforts to accelerate ocean protection and meet its 2030 target with less than six years until 2030. A key part of their ambition is ensuring that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are not only created but also effectively enforced by governments.