This side event will present how the new IUCN Global Standard for Effective and Equitable Protected and Conserved Areas can support Parties and stakeholders in operationalising and reporting on Target 3 implementation beyond simple spatial coverage metrics.

The session will position the Standard as a practical and scalable framework enabling countries to:

• benchmark protected and conserved area systems,
• identify governance and management gaps,
• strengthen national implementation pathways,
• support progressive improvement,
• recognise successful sites through the Green List,
• and aggregate nationally comparable data relevant to Target 3 quality elements.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework calls for not only expanding protected and conserved areas under Target 3, but also ensuring they are effectively managed, equitably governed, ecologically representative, well-connected, and capable of delivering positive biodiversity and social outcomes.

As countries advance implementation, many are seeking practical and scientifically robust approaches to:

• assess the quality and effectiveness of their systems,
• identify gaps and priorities,
• support continuous improvement,
• and report on progress using credible and comparable methodologies.

This side event will introduce the newly adopted IUCN Global Standard for Effective and Equitable Protected and Conserved Areas, developed as an evolution and expansion of the IUCN Green List Standard. The framework provides an integrated approach covering governance, management effectiveness, equity, conservation outcomes, resilience and long-term sustainability across protected and conserved areas.

The session will showcase three complementary implementation pathways already being piloted or scaled in multiple countries and regions:

1. Benchmarking and Gap Analysis

Using the Standard as a benchmarking framework to assess national protected and conserved area systems, identify priority gaps, and support policy and institutional improvement aligned with Target 3.

2. Self-Assessment and Progressive Improvement Pathways

Presentation of the new self-assessment and benchmarking tool enabling sites, systems and governments to undertake structured evaluations, monitor progress, and prioritise improvements through a scalable readiness and capacity-development approach.

3. Green List Certification and National reporting

 

Demonstrating how Green List certification provides internationally recognised recognition for successful sites while simultaneously generating comparable national-level data that can contribute to Target 3 monitoring and reporting efforts.

The event will further discuss how the framework complements existing CBD monitoring efforts and contributes to internationally recognised quality components of Target 3 implementation, including those reflected in CBD Decision XIII/2 and subsequent guidance on protected area effectiveness and governance.

The side event will provide concrete country examples and explore opportunities for collaboration among Parties, IPLCs, technical partners, donors and international organisations to strengthen implementation capacity toward 2030.