Multiple-use protected areas are critical to equitable and effective conservation

Protected areas are widely used to stem biodiversity loss, with global conservation policy mandating their use in meeting area-based targets, such as the recent target protect 30% of Earth’s surface by 2030. Over last two decades, role multiple-use and other protected targets has increased, now representing 55% terrestrial 75% marine globally. Given substantial contributions we review evidence goals. We found that can be effective conserving more likely under equitable governance arrangements than strict counterparts. Our results show provide important environmental socio-economic benefits needed achieve 2030 target. Closing knowledge gaps around when where they most is ensure further growth conserved estate meets