Global conservation area coverage substantially exceeds current estimates.

Global conservation area coverage likely already exceeds 26.81%, approaching the 30% target set for 2030, based on a representative sample of 25 countries.

• Why it matters: Accurate estimates of conservation area coverage are essential for effective biodiversity protection and resource allocation, but current global figures may underestimate actual land protected.
• What they did: The study analyzed nationally available datasets from 25 countries and extrapolated findings to estimate that conservation areas cover approximately 26.81% of the terrestrial realm.
• The result: Meeting the area component of Target 3 may be closer than previously thought, but addressing ecological gaps requires strategic efforts beyond simply increasing protected land.