30×30 Regional Workshop, Nairobi, Feb 17th-20th

Advancing 30×30: Regional Collaboration for Effective Conservation

The recent Regional 30×30 Workshop in Nairobi, organized by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, with the HAC N&P Secretariat, NatureXpairs and the African Wildlife Foundation, marked a significant milestone in the collective effort to achieve global biodiversity targets. Convened at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, this workshop brought together 86 participant, including representatives from 32 governments, women, youth, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), and non-governmental organizations across Central, Southern, and Eastern Africa.

NatureXpairs contributed by facilitating knowledge-sharing and capacity-building through collective intelligence workshops. With support from the Office français de la biodiversité and the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, NatureXpairs organized the participation of four representatives from key African regional institutions: COMIFAC, the East African Community, RCMRD, and the South African National Biodiversity Institute. In close coordination with the HAC for Nature & People Secretariat, NatureXpairs also shared the French experience in establishing a dedicated HAC N&P Working Group and mapping national expertise for 30×30 as a valuable return of experience.

The workshop also provided a platform to discuss regional challenges, share success stories, and foster collaboration.

Key Outcomes and Insights

The workshop delivered several critical insights and agreements, shaping the way forward for effective area-based conservation:

Best Practices Exchange: Participants shared on-the-ground conservation successes to inspire progress toward the 30×30 goal.

Subregional Priorities: Key implementation priorities were identified for each subregion, with an emphasis on tailored conservation strategies supported by regional Technical and Scientific Support Centers.

Strategic Roadmaps: Collaborative planning sessions helped outline roadmaps addressing specific regional needs and conservation gaps.

Recognition of OECMs: The role of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) was highlighted as a complementary tool to protected areas, with discussions on their identification and integration in IPLC-led conservation efforts.

Inclusive Governance: The need to strengthen IPLC engagement and enhance the participation of women and youth in conservation decision-making was emphasized.

Public-Private Partnerships: Sustainable financing for protected and conserved areas was recognized as a critical component, requiring stronger public-private collaboration.

Policy Integration: Breaking silos through improved inter-sectoral communication and coordination was identified as essential for effective policy implementation.

Hands-on Training: Practical training sessions introduced participants to the HAC 30×30 Matchmaking Platform and the 30×30 Solutions Toolkit, equipping them with tools to support their conservation commitments.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Action

The workshop concluded with a field visit to Nairobi National Park, reinforcing the importance of practical, on-the-ground conservation efforts. The momentum generated through this event serves as a catalyst for continued collaboration, ensuring that insights, tools, and resources are effectively applied across regions.

Achieving the 30×30 target—protecting 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030—requires inclusive, well-supported, and regionally adapted approaches. This workshop reaffirmed the power of international cooperation in advancing biodiversity conservation, setting the stage for tangible progress in the years ahead.