Positioning MPAs in the international agenda

In discussions around the post-2020 global biodiversity framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 60 member countries that comprise the High Ambition Coalition have proposed a global “30x30” target for conservation areas to cover 30% of the world’s marine and terrestrial surface by 2030 (Waldron et al., 2020). This 30% target has gained increasing support. Some leading members are taking concrete action to foster MPAs as part of wider integrated marine management and to mobilize funding to expand and effectively manage new and existing MPAs (e.g., Forever Blue Fund in Costa Rica). 

The proposed targets reflect a growing recognition of the importance of MPAs in conserving marine biodiversity, ensuring sustainable human use of the oceans and protecting vital ecosystem services, including: 

• Food 

• Clean water

• Climate change mitigation 

• Flood risk reduction 

• Coastal protection 

• Regulating services that support ecosystem-based adaptation. 

MPAs can be effective nature-based solutions to address urgent issues, such as climate-related risks, food security and biodiversity loss.

Financing needs to achieve global MPA targets 

Reaching the 30% target for both marine and terrestrial protected areas combined will require an estimated US$103 billion to US$192 billion annually, including protected area establishment (US$35–103 billion) and minimum operations (around US$67 billion) (Deutz et al., 2020; Waldron et al., 2020). This compares to around US$24.3 billion spent annually in marine and terrestrial protected areas today (Waldron et al., 2020). Up-to-date estimates of global financing needs to reach the 30% target for MPAs are still to be refined, with previous examples most likely providing underestimated figures due to a lack of complete data. These previous estimates include, for instance:

• US$5–19 billion annually to establish and manage (at a minimum level) a 20-30% coverage of MPAs (Balmford et al., 2004) 

• US$223–228 billion over a 35-year period to set up and manage 30% coverage (Brander et al., 2015).

Achieving effective management of MPAs covering 30% of the ocean will require substantial and well-coordinated global efforts to cover structural costs over the coming decade.

Structural costs to achieve the 30% target

The role of sustainable financing

MPAs incur the most substantial costs in their regular operations (Bohorquez et al., 2019; Davis et al., 2019). The recurring nature of these costs requires capacity to anticipate future needs and financing sources and mechanisms that deliver reliable, consistent and predictable funding in the long term. 

Unfortunately, many MPA managers face challenges to keep track of their needs, implement long-term strategies and/or diversify their financing sources and mechanisms. As a result, they often depend on short-term, restricted or piecemeal funding.

The enabling environment

Essential conditions for MPA management entities to build sustainable financing include:

• A governance framework that allows funds to be raised and used for MPA management 

• Management instruments (e.g., management plans) to guide MPA operations and application of funding

• Management capacity (e.g., staff, processes and systems) that enables MPA operations

• MPA leaders and champions who create a favourable environment for effective decision-making, collaboration, resource mobilization and efficient use of funds.

External enabling factors may also determine the success of MPA financing efforts: