The central pledge of a planned new global nature pact — to protect 30% of the planet's land and seas — is in doubt, with some biodiversity-rich nations refusing to commit because of jitters over funding and implementation, officials have warned.
A coalition of about 70 countries — including G7 governments — have already promised to conserve at least 30% of their land and oceans by 2030, a pledge known as 30x30, to help curb climate change and the loss of plant and animal species.
The 30x30 goal is part of a draft global treaty to safeguard plants, animals and ecosystems, due to be finalized next May at the COP15 nature summit in the Chinese city of Kunming, according to the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).