Are 'conserved areas' conservation's most compelling story?

Abstract

State and non-state actors are negotiating a new area-based target for the Convention on Biological Diversity's post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Some terms likely to be referenced are well known ('protected areas') and others newly agreed ('other effective area-based conservation measures', abbreviated to 'OECMs'). Yet one potentially relevant concept in circulation remains undefined, namely: 'conserved areas'. While creative ambiguity has its merits, there may be benefits to reaching agreement on its meaning. Of a range of possible meanings, one in particular inspires us to review how we think about conservation. 'Conserved areas', as a non-legal term for "areas sustaining ecological integrity and/or effective in situ conservation of nature", enables us to focus afresh on the diversity of approaches that contribute to living landscapes and seascapes, including but not limited to effectively managed protected areas and OECMs. Inclusive dialogue about this question may help define area-based targets for 2021-2030 as well as develop a compelling story for the future of conservation.