The 30x30 Geospatial Analysis and Dashboard Launch Event Celebrates Regional Collaboration
In collaboration with regional partners, last October we launched the 30x30 Regional Geospatial Analysis, Mapping Results and Dashboard tool
When The Nature Conservancy Caribbean Division, in collaboration with regional partners, launched the 30x30 Regional Geospatial Analysis, Mapping Results and Dashboard tool at an unveiling event last October, the resounding theme at the event was collaboration.
That was appropriate, as TNC developed the tool—a dashboard designed to support decision-making to help Caribbean nations achieve their goal of protecting 30% of their lands and oceans by 2030—in conjunction with 24 regional partners over two years. The 30% target was adopted by more than 190 countries at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference in December 2022 as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The 30x30 Dashboard launch brought together regional organizations working in the conservation space, government representatives, policymakers and conservation experts. Speakers commended TNC for leading the initiative and emphasized that it is more than just a tool and smart technology.
Dr. Joth Singh, director of policy and strategic programs at TNC Caribbean, in his opening remarks, noted that the analysis and dashboard is a significant pillar in securing a nature-positive future for the Caribbean by 2030.
Representatives from three regional organizations provided remarks. “The tool is a major step toward more effective marine and coastal conservation in the region,” said Christopher Corbin, coordinator of the Cartagena Convention Secretariat under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “It reflects our shared belief that informed, collaborative action is essential to protect our marine heritage.”
Caribbean Biodiversity Fund Chairperson Karolin Troubetzkoy congratulated TNC on launching the dashboard. “It’s a significant contribution to the region’s data landscape,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see governments and regional partners stepping up and embracing data and mapping as essential tools for management and strategic decision-making.”
TNC and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are collaborating under the OECS 30x30 Transformation Programme, an ambitious regional initiative designed to protect 30% of the OECS marine and terrestrial areas by 2030, a goal aligned with the global 30x30 conservation targets. Norma Cherry-Fevrier, project manager for the sub-regional BioSPACE Project, spoke on behalf of the OECS at the launch. “The platform reflects the growing momentum across our region to advance biodiversity action by using high-quality data and spatial intelligence,” she said. “It offers a timely contribution to ongoing efforts to conserve and sustainably manage our land and marine ecosystems in the face of increasing pressures from biodiversity loss, climate change and unsustainable development.”
Dr. Steve Schill, lead scientist for TNC’s Caribbean Division, presented the Caribbean 30x30 Regional Analysis and Dashboard. “Effective protected area networks are built through collaborative efforts among governments,” he said. “Partnerships are critical for integrating the tool into decision-making for Caribbean countries working together to preserve critical regional linkages that sustain the overall health of the ecosystem.”
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