Protected areas (PAs) and other effective areas-based conservation measures (OECMs) are a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation that concurrently provide co-benefits for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including improved food and water security; climate mitigation; disaster risk reduction; and support for livelihoods, health and well-being. This report presents the global status of PAs and OECMs and opportunities for action, noting that it is crucial that focus extends beyond expanding PA and OECM coverage to also include ensuring sites are ecologically representative, well-connected, and giving greater focus to equitable governance and the achievement of conservation outcomes through effective management. It is vital that new and existing PAs and OECMs recognize the contribution of Indigenous Peoples' territories, lands and waters and secure tenure rights, and that PAs and OECMs are increasingly embedded into national and local policies and frameworks. This collective action for PAs and OECMs can implement the transformative changes necessary to achieve the 2050 Vision of living in harmony with nature. |
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