Who We Are
SPACES is a consortium that includes Campaign for Nature, McKinsey & Company, Systemiq, UNEP-WCMC, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and ZOMA LAB.
Our Mission
SPACES is an initiative empowering low- and middle-income countries to develop comprehensive, costed, and nationally-led plans for achieving nature and climate targets, especially the global target of protecting at least 30% of terrestrial and inland water and at least 30% of coastal and marine areas by 2030.
Partners
SPACES collaborates with a diverse network of global, national, and local partners—bringing together expertise, funding, and on-the-ground capacity to help countries deliver on their nature and climate commitments.
Governance
The SPACES Secretariat is managed by Campaign for Nature. SPACES is overseen by a Steering Committee that includes two representatives of the founding donors and the SPACES Secretariat. The Committee meets regularly and as needed to:
Approve or reject country program proposals submitted by consortium members
Coordinate on fundraising for both planning and implementation
Troubleshoot as needed
Our Process
The primary objective of SPACES is to contribute to the global goal of protecting at least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas by 2030.
SPACES achieves this by supporting nation-led efforts to identify and implement initiatives that align with conservation priorities while maximizing benefits for biodiversity, socioeconomic well-being, water security, and climate resilience (a unifying 30×30 vision). This integrated approach ensures that conservation efforts deliver widespread and equitable outcomes.
30%
by 2030
The SPACES partner organizations understand that high-quality implementation of the GBF cannot be achieved without operating in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendant Peoples (IPs, LCs, and ADPs). Respecting their rights and traditions and adhering to the highest standards of international human rights law is a critically important component of the GBF that the SPACES program supports.
A key focus is helping countries implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), particularly the first four 2030 targets.
These core targets guide the SPACES approach, while other GBF goals are integrated to ensure comprehensive, results-driven conservation planning.
01
Plan and manage all areas to reduce biodiversity loss.
02
Restore 30% of degraded ecosystems.
03
Conserve 30% of land, freshwaters, and ocean.
04
Halt species extinction, protect genetic diversity, and manage human-wildlife conflicts.
To support national efforts, SPACES provides financial and technical assistance in three key areas: Key areas of assistance:
A. Comprehensive Planning and Complementary Initiatives
SPACES helps countries develop strong plans to achieve 30×30 and related goals through:
- Supportive legislation and policy frameworks
- Advanced analytics and capacity-building
- Integration of social, biodiversity, and climate priorities via tools like NBSAPs and NDCs
B. Inclusive Engagement with Civil Society and Indigenous Peoples
Engaging civil society and Indigenous communities ensures conservation efforts reflect local knowledge, build public support, and meet community needs.
C. Financial Roadmap and Partnerships
SPACES supports the design of financial strategies and the development of partnerships to sustain conservation beyond its direct involvement. By combining spatial planning, community engagement, and economic modeling, SPACES equips countries with the tools and support needed to identify and advance impactful, lasting conservation initiatives.
Our core components and Beliefs
We believe that four core components must come together for the successful jurisdictional implementation of 30×30: political commitment, strategic planning, sustainable funding, and strong accountability mechanisms.
1. Centering Leadership from the Global South
We emphasize the importance of amplifying the voices of the Global South, particularly those with ambitious conservation goals. It’s crucial to celebrate the frontrunners and highlight the countries leading the way in effective implementation. We stand in solidarity with them as allies in their efforts. These plans and successes belong to them—they are not ours to claim.
2. Community-Centered Conservation
While legislative alignment is critical, conservation thrives when local communities are meaningfully involved and when tangible benefits for them are clear. When people see value in protecting forests and wildlife, they become invaluable partners in conservation efforts. The recognition of the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPs and LCs) is a high priority for our program.
3. Rights-Based, Inclusive Implementation
The SPACES partner organizations understand that high-quality implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) cannot be achieved without operating in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendant Peoples (IPs, LCs, and ADPs), women, and youth rightsholders. This means respecting their rights and traditions and adhering to the highest standards of international human rights law. Increased support and investment in their stewardship of natural capital and in preserving the healthy ecosystems they depend on is a critically important component of the GBF that SPACES actively supports.
4. Scaling Up Financing for Nature
We acknowledge that funding for nature remains insufficient. That’s why we are strong advocates for scaling up long-term domestic government investments, expanding bilateral and multilateral funding, leveraging philanthropy and private sector revenue streams, promoting debt-for-nature swaps, and establishing conservation trust funds.