Read the text about protected natural areas around the world. For each question, choose two correct answers.
You will get a point for each question only if both correct answers are provided. You cannot get half a point for choosing only one answer. So, make sure this is double or nothing.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), protecting natural areas is one of the most effective ways to preserve biodiversity and reduce the impact of climate change. In its latest global assessment, UNEP reports that conservation is no longer seen as optional, but as a necessary strategy for the future.
Data published by Protected Planet shows that approximately 19.5% of the world’s land area is currently protected. This figure has increased steadily over the past three decades. Experts explain that this growth reflects both stronger environmental policies and increased public awareness.
However, the distribution of protected areas is far from equal. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), South America is one of the leading regions, with some countries protecting more than 50% of their land. This is largely due to the presence of large rainforest ecosystems and long-term conservation programmes.
In contrast, many countries in Asia and Africa protect less than 20% of their land, although WWF reports that investment in conservation is gradually increasing. This suggests that while progress is being made, it is uneven and depends on economic, political, and geographical factors.
In Europe, data from the European Commission indicates that more than 20% of land is protected in many countries, and in some cases, this figure exceeds 40%. The European Commission highlights that regional cooperation and shared environmental policies have played a significant role in achieving these results.
Marine protection presents a different challenge. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), only around 10% of the world’s oceans are currently protected. Experts warn that this level is not sufficient to maintain healthy marine ecosystems, especially as ocean pollution and climate change continue to increase.
To address this issue, UNEP has published a global target known as the “30 by 30” initiative, which aims to protect 30% of both land and sea by the year 2030. Many countries have agreed to this goal, but experts note that achieving it will require significant international cooperation and long-term commitment.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. According to global databases referenced by Protected Planet, there are now over 120,000 protected areas worldwide, yet not all of them are effectively managed. In some regions, illegal activities such as logging, mining, and hunting still take place, reducing the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Furthermore, researchers point out that simply increasing the number of protected areas is not enough. The quality of protection is equally important. Poorly managed areas may exist on paper but fail to provide real environmental benefits.
Overall, reports from UNEP and WWF suggest that global conservation efforts are moving in the right direction. However, they also emphasise that progress must continue, as current levels of protection are still not sufficient to fully safeguard the planet’s natural ecosystems.
Data published by Protected Planet shows that approximately 19.5% of the world’s land area is currently protected. This figure has increased steadily over the past three decades. Experts explain that this growth reflects both stronger environmental policies and increased public awareness.
However, the distribution of protected areas is far from equal. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), South America is one of the leading regions, with some countries protecting more than 50% of their land. This is largely due to the presence of large rainforest ecosystems and long-term conservation programmes.
In contrast, many countries in Asia and Africa protect less than 20% of their land, although WWF reports that investment in conservation is gradually increasing. This suggests that while progress is being made, it is uneven and depends on economic, political, and geographical factors.
In Europe, data from the European Commission indicates that more than 20% of land is protected in many countries, and in some cases, this figure exceeds 40%. The European Commission highlights that regional cooperation and shared environmental policies have played a significant role in achieving these results.
Marine protection presents a different challenge. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), only around 10% of the world’s oceans are currently protected. Experts warn that this level is not sufficient to maintain healthy marine ecosystems, especially as ocean pollution and climate change continue to increase.
To address this issue, UNEP has published a global target known as the “30 by 30” initiative, which aims to protect 30% of both land and sea by the year 2030. Many countries have agreed to this goal, but experts note that achieving it will require significant international cooperation and long-term commitment.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. According to global databases referenced by Protected Planet, there are now over 120,000 protected areas worldwide, yet not all of them are effectively managed. In some regions, illegal activities such as logging, mining, and hunting still take place, reducing the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Furthermore, researchers point out that simply increasing the number of protected areas is not enough. The quality of protection is equally important. Poorly managed areas may exist on paper but fail to provide real environmental benefits.
Overall, reports from UNEP and WWF suggest that global conservation efforts are moving in the right direction. However, they also emphasise that progress must continue, as current levels of protection are still not sufficient to fully safeguard the planet’s natural ecosystems.
1. What does the text suggest about changes in land protection over time?
2. What has helped Europe achieve these conservation results?
3. What does the “30 by 30” initiative aim to achieve?
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