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This paper reviews the current status of Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 at the global level. Although there remain gaps in the coverage of ecological regions and areas important for biodiversity and ecosystem services, 10 per cent coverage of coastal and marine areas under national jurisdiction has already been surpassed. The full implementation of agreed national priority actions and other commitments, including those in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, will expand coverage of the global ocean beyond 10 per cent, and result in more than 17 per cent coverage of terrestrial and inland waters. These commitments will also lead to substantial progress in other elements of the Target. Appropriate recognition of other effective area-based conservation measures and governance types, inter alia, privately protected areas and territories and areas conserved by indigenous peoples and local communities, currently underreported in global assessments, would further improve the prospects for the achievement of Target 11. This will generate not only multiple benefits for the well-being of society by contributing solutions to the most important global challenges, but will also contribute to other Aichi Targets and globally agreed goals. Hence, concerted efforts by all stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of commitments towards achieving Target 11 will be a wise investment.

In 2010, Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a Strategic Plan for Biodiversity with 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets expected to be achieved by 2020. Target 11 sets out goals for protected and conserved areas in terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems. This paper, prepared on behalf of the Global Partnership on Aichi Target 11, reports on progress to date in meeting the quantitative and qualitative elements of Target 11 and identifies opportunities for further progress prior to the 15th Conference of the Parties in Kunming in 2020 and beyond.

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