Global leaders gather for COP16 amidst marine biodiversity crisis

In an urgent call for action, Newsweek's latest opinion piece highlights the critical need for stronger marine conservation efforts as countries convene for COP16 in Colombia.

This week, countries will convene in Colombia for the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16). The urgency of this gathering cannot be overstated: our oceans are facing critical threats.

The ecosystems that generate half of the oxygen we breathe and a significant portion of the planet's protein are being pushed to the brink of collapse due to climate change, overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, leading to a dramatic decline in marine biodiversity. In response, governments around the globe have set an ambitious target known as "30 by 30," aiming to protect 30 per cent of the world's oceans by 2030 through a network of marine protected areas (MPAs).

However, many of today's MPAs are failing to provide genuine protection. To effectively address the challenges ahead, the term "protected" must truly reflect its intent. It's time for a reality check. Beneath the surface of many of the world’s 18,000 MPAs lies a concerning truth. Current data on MPA progress often exaggerates their success. 

Numerous designated MPAs exist mainly on paper and lack the enforcement necessary to prevent biodiversity loss. Recent studies of the 100 largest MPAs, which make up 90 per cent of global MPA coverage, indicate that a quarter of these areas have no regulations or enforcement in place because the MPAs are not fully operational. Alarmingly, one-third of these 100 MPAs permit activities, such as industrial fishing, that compromise conservation efforts. 

The reality is that only a third of the world’s largest marine protected areas (MPAs) provide high or full protection and effectively support biodiversity. Furthermore, these high-quality MPAs are unevenly distributed, primarily located in remote areas rather than in regions facing significant human pressure along coastlines. As leaders convene in Colombia—who have pledged to create a network of "effectively conserved and managed" marine areas—it is clear that attempting to achieve the "30 by 30" targets through the establishment of ineffective MPAs would be both misleading and unrealistic. What truly matters is measurable quality—not just the size of the MPAs. Fortunately, COP 16 offers a vital opportunity to enhance MPA quality and meet conservation goals. 

Developed nations and international organizations should focus on improving the implementation, enforcement, and management of MPAs, particularly in biodiversity hotspots. Additionally, commitments to expand and connect MPAs must be linked to plans that optimize ecological and social benefits, which should include bans on harmful industrial activities. These initiatives will require mobilizing significant new resources and support for developing nations, including debt relief and conversions. 

By Naila Huseynova