During a recent government meeting, officials highlighted California's ambitious \"30 by 30\" conservation initiative, aimed at protecting 30% of the state's lands and coastal waters by 2030. This goal, part of a global movement endorsed by over 190 countries, seeks to combat biodiversity loss and climate change.

Madeline Drake, Assistant Secretary for Biodiversity and Habitat with the California Natural Resources Agency, emphasized California's unique biodiversity, which includes one-third of the nation's species. However, she noted that many of these species face threats from habitat loss and climate impacts such as wildfires and droughts.

The initiative, launched following Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order in October 2020, is rooted in extensive public engagement. Over a year, the agency conducted regional workshops and surveys, gathering input from approximately 2,500 participants and 850 online respondents, including consultations with over 70 Native American tribes.

Drake outlined three core objectives of the strategy: protecting and restoring biodiversity, expanding access to nature, and enhancing resilience to climate change. The strategy also commits to advancing equity and strengthening partnerships with tribal communities.

Currently, California has conserved about 24.4% of its lands and 16.2% of its coastal waters, with state parks comprising 5.2% of the protected areas. Drake highlighted several key projects, including the Redwoods Rising initiative, which aims to restore 120,000 acres of old-growth forests, and the new Dos Rios State Park, which enhances connectivity for wildlife and local communities.

In closing, Drake reiterated the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve the 30 by 30 goal, stating that California has 5.5 million acres of land and 500,000 acres of coastal waters left to conserve. The initiative not only aims to protect the state's rich biodiversity but also to foster public engagement and education about environmental stewardship.