Countries Taking the Lead for Nature, Ocean and Climate

SPACES is a global initiative supporting low—and middle-income countries in developing government-led plans to meet nature and climate goals, particularly 30×30.

Empowering nations to achieve their nature and climate targets

SPACES is a global initiative supporting low—and middle-income countries in developing government-led plans to meet nature and climate goals, particularly 30×30.

11

SPACES programs active or completed.

13m+ hectares

of marine protected area secured.

7.5m hectares

of new protected areas identified.

Green sea turtle swimming just below the ocean surface

About SPACES

SPACES is a global initiative supporting low- and middle-income countries in developing costed, government-led plans to meet nature and climate goals—particularly the 30×30 target to conserve 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas by 2030. Working in alignment with countries’ National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), SPACES ensures that biodiversity and climate priorities are tackled together, with solutions owned and led by the countries themselves.

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Recent Projects

Countries around the world are developing their own national pathways to achieve the 30×30 target. SPACES supports these government-led efforts by providing technical expertise, financial planning, and capacity building.

Visit Madagascar 30×30

Visit Angola 30×30

Visit Protect Sierra Leone

Visit Sri Lanka 30×30

Success stories

If the world is to deliver on critical climate and nature goals, it is important to celebrate and share success stories, demonstrating what can be done and the benefits of that action. You can find a selection of SPACES stories below:

all case studies

Aerial view of winding rivers flowing through lush green tropical forest and landscape.

How Panama Became a Global Leader in Marine Conservation Under Its 30×30 Transformation

50%+ of Panama’s marine areas protected

840,000 hectares of forest identified for restoration

Panama, a vital biodiversity bridge between North and South America, is leading the way in marine and land conservation. The Panama 30×30 Transformation aims to protect 30% of the country’s land and marine areas by 2030, linking conservation, Indigenous community engagement, and sustainable economic growth.

Two humpback whales breaching side by side at sunset.

How the Dominican Republic Achieved 30% Marine Protection and Launched a Nationwide Reforestation Drive

30% of marine areas protected

450,000 hectares identified for reforestation

The Dominican Republic has taken bold steps toward the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets. Through its 30×30 Transformation Program, the country aims to conserve 30% of its territory, restore 4,500 km² of forests, and create thousands of rural jobs, positioning itself as a leader in conservation and sustainable development.

Person riding an elephant in a green field with Sigiriya Rock rising in the background.

How Sri Lanka’s 30×30 Plan Advances Marine Conservation Amid Political Change

210,000 hectares of new protected land targeted

$500M flood damage reduction

Sri Lanka, home to vibrant ecosystems and rich biodiversity, is at a critical moment. As the nation recovers economically, the Sri Lanka 30×30 initiative aims to protect 30% of its land and marine areas by 2030, aligning conservation with sustainable development and livelihoods.

all case studies

Feedback From Our Partners

We’ve been really impressed by what the SPACES program has been able to offer Sierra Leone. I feel confident that the plan we have developed puts Project Sierra Leone on a clear road to safeguarding 30% of our land and ocean for the benefit of Sierra Leoneans.

Minister Jiwoh Abdulai

Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone SPACES Program Jiwoh Abdulai

SPACES was my biggest highlight as Vice-Minister of the Environment of the Dominican Republic. We’re very grateful for the work we did with the program, McKinsey, and everyone on the team. It was incredible work – it was truly incredible. We love it. We love the collaboration, the teamwork and the results.

Her Excellency Ms. Milagros De Camps

Former Vice-Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic

We are committed to making enormous efforts to protect our coastlines and preserve their beauty.

Anura Kumara Disanayake

The President of Sri Lanka

The Dominican Republic’s 30×30 Transformation showcases our nation’s commitment to nature, sustainable growth, and the well-being of future generations.