The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework—adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15) in December 2022—set forth the most ambitious global area-based conservation target to date. Target 3 calls for the protection of 30 percent of the world’s ocean and land by 2030 (known as “30×30”). Another key milestone was subsequently reached in March 2023 when member states agreed to the United Nations High Seas Treaty to conserve biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ)—which is considered a key tool in reaching 30×30 ocean conservation and protecting marine biodiversity

To better understand the contribution of the philanthropic sector to these efforts, this report provides the most comprehensive mapping of philanthropic funding flows in marine area-based conservation. The purpose of the report is to provide baseline trends for funders and other stakeholders to understand the current philanthropic landscape and to support informed collaboration with partners across all sectors on the funding and implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

This report is divided into two main sections: a) key findings which include the results of this original research on the philanthropic funding landscape, and b) case studies, authored by external partners, which illustrate both lessons learned and emerging insights from marine area-based conservation projects around the world. Readers are welcome to use all figures from this report provided that the source citation is included.

Read the full article about funding in marine-area based conservation by Emily Peterson, Forrest Lewis, and Aaron Saliman at Our Shared Seas.