By 2030, Dominica aims to conserve at least 30% of land and inland waters and 30% of coastal and marine areas through effectively managed, ecologically representative and connected protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). The target aims to strengthen and expand the national network of protected and conserved areas, safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem services, and support climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Implementation will promote equitable governance and recognise Indigenous rights, including the Kalinago people’s rights, knowledge, governance systems and participation in decisions affecting their lands and resources.

Dominica aims to assess conservation coverage, ecological representation and connectivity to identify priorities for strengthening and expanding protected areas and recognising qualifying OECMs. This assessment will guide conservation of areas important for biodiversity and ecosystem services and their integration into wider land- and sea-use planning. Priority actions include advancing the national protected areas system plan, updating relevant policies and legislation, implementing site management plans, clarifying boundaries and strengthening coordination, enforcement and sustainable financing. Regular assessments will guide improvements in management effectiveness and conservation outcomes. Implementation will support inclusive planning, equitable benefit sharing and co-management where appropriate, building on established engagement with the Kalinago people and local communities. Any proposed conservation arrangements affecting Indigenous lands and resources will recognise relevant rights and governance systems. Potential OECMs will be assessed against applicable criteria before recognition.

Access to financial resources: Implementation requires sustained financing for conservation planning, effective management, monitoring, enforcement and inclusive participation.

Collective effort towards the targets: Achieving the target depends on coordinated contributions across government, communities, civil society, the private sector and development partners.

Consistency with international agreements or instruments: The target supports implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the conservation objectives of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Contribution and rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities: The target explicitly recognises Indigenous rights and equitable governance, including the Kalinago people’s knowledge, governance systems, traditional practices and participation in conservation decisions.

Cooperation and synergies: Implementation connects area-based conservation with spatial planning, watershed protection, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

Ecosystem approach: The target addresses terrestrial, inland-water, coastal and marine ecosystems as connected systems, promoting ecological representation and connectivity.

Human rights-based approach: Conservation planning and management will recognise rights and support equitable participation and benefit sharing, including where measures affect access to land, resources and livelihoods.

Intergenerational equity: Conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services supports the well-being, opportunities and natural heritage of present and future generations.

National circumstances, priorities and capabilities: Implementation builds on Dominica’s existing protected areas and conservation experience while addressing national priorities, climate vulnerability and available financial and technical capacity.

Science and innovation: Spatial analysis, biodiversity information and management-effectiveness assessments will guide conservation priorities, identify potential OECMs and monitor outcomes.

Whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach: The target promotes coordination across public institutions and inclusive participation throughout conservation planning, implementation and monitoring.

National Target 3 addresses the central elements of GBF Target 3 through its 2030 timeframe and separate commitments to conserve at least 30% of land and inland waters and 30% of coastal and marine areas. It explicitly includes protected areas and OECMs, effective management, ecological representation, connectivity, equitable governance and recognition of Indigenous rights. Further development of implementation arrangements can clarify how conservation priorities will address areas important for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, integrate conserved areas into wider landscapes and seascapes, and ensure that any sustainable use is consistent with conservation outcomes. These elements are not fully explicit in the current target wording; however, this does not imply their exclusion.

No official non-state commitments to this national target

Additional technical and financial support is needed for a costed implementation plan with verified coverage baselines, conservation priorities, responsibilities, timelines and resource requirements. Priority needs include assessments of ecological representation and connectivity, spatial analysis, and procedures for identifying and recognising qualifying OECMs. Legal, institutional and technical support is also needed to strengthen conservation policies, management plans, coordination and equitable governance arrangements. Sustained financing and capacity building will support staffing, site management, enforcement, community participation, benefit sharing and long-term monitoring of conservation outcomes and management effectiveness.