Editorial Essay: An update on progress towards Aichi Biodiversity Target 11

In 2010, Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a Strategic Plan for Biodiversity with 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets expected to be achieved by 2020. Target 11 sets out goals for protected and conserved areas in terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems. This paper, prepared on behalf of the Global Partnership on Aichi Target 11, reports on progress to date in meeting the quantitative and qualitative elements of Target 11 and identifies opportunities for further progress prior to the 15th Conference of the Parties in Kunming in 2020 and beyond.