HAC is turning words into action, engaging with governments around the world to officially protect 30% of our land and oceans by 2030.
The global effort to protect biodiversity faced a critical gap—there was no official global target for biodiversity protection, many governments lacked concrete pledges, and those who made pledges often failed to act on them. This is where the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) comes in. HAC aims to fill this gap by pushing government to commit and act to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. Since its inception, HAC has rapidly expanded its mission, signing up 120 countries to the 30×30 target and doubling its signatories since 2021.
Now, the urgent challenge is ensuring that governments follow through on these commitments. This means stopping illegal land grabs, preventing resource extraction, and halting illegal overfishing in protected areas. In addition, HAC is working with policymakers to expand protected zones, boost financial investments, provide technical expertise, and build cross-party political support at local, national, and international levels.
Co-chaired by Costa Rica and France, with the UK as the oceans champion, HAC played a pivotal role in securing the 30×30 agreement at COP15 (United Nations Biodiversity Conference) in 2022. Currently, only 17% of the world’s land and 8% of its oceans are protected. HAC is working to help governments go beyond their pledges, pushing for these commitments to be written into law, sustaining political momentum, and addressing financial and technical barriers to action.
A key component of this effort is the 30×30 Solutions Toolkit, designed to help countries move swiftly toward their goals. The toolkit shares scientific research, best practices, and replicable actions to guide governments in protecting endangered areas. It offers practical roadmaps to help governments act urgently and effectively.
HAC’s financial and technical matchmaking tool also plays a crucial role. Governments can request specific types of assistance, drawing from HAC’s global network of over 40 partners, including other governments, NGOs, and international organizations. This ensures that the right support reaches governments to meet their needs.
HAC’s efforts have already led to significant progress, with around 50 member countries enacting or strengthening conservation laws. For instance, Chile expanded its marine protection area by 1.5 million square kilometres in 2022.
On the ground, HAC supports Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), working with over 200 indigenous groups. These communities are putting their traditional knowledge and rights at the heart of conservation efforts. In Canada, Australia, and Rapa Nui (Easter Island), this approach has helped protect ancestral lands and establish South America’s largest multiple-use marine protected area.
Rita El Zaghloul, Director, High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People
HAC is led by Rita Maria El Zaghloul, former Minister Counsel at Costa Rica’s UN Permanent Mission. Her small but powerful team is vital to turning pledges into global action.
HAC’s adaptable solution aims to extend protections to even more countries. With ocean conservation lagging behind land protection, HAC is prioritizing efforts to accelerate ocean protection and meet its 2030 target within the next six years. A key part of their ambition is ensuring that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are not only created but also effectively enforced by governments.
