In February 2025, the Conference of Parties adopted Decision 16/12- which outlines the headline, component and complimentary indicators and optional disaggregations for all Goals and Targets of the GBF including Target 3 https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2024/cop-16/documents (Decision 16/12)

CBD Parties are required to report on progress in the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework Targets by February 2026. For Target 3, this implies evidence of progress in the expansion and enhancement of protected and conserved areas that are managed with the aim of achieving positive outcomes for biodiversity.

The global community has developed a wide array of frameworks, tools, reporting systems,

and guidance materials to help protected area and OECM managers assess the

effectiveness of their areas and systems. These resources have been developed over time

in response to CBD commitments and work has accelerated in light of efforts to achieve

Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Recognizing the significant challenges that lie ahead for implementation and reporting on the many elements of Target 3, this side event will outline a unified global framework for assessing effectiveness, which builds on existing methods that are used at the national and site level. The side event will present case studies from testing this unified framework in 5 Latin American countries in the RedParques Network and from PA systems in Canada and Croatia. 

[Emphasis on practicality and cost-efficiency, building on existing systems and filling gaps with the aim to maximize the number of sites assessing and reporting on effectiveness globally.]