Australia is now committed to conserve 30 per cent of the world’s land and sea in order to halt the loss of biodiversity including the Pacific islands.

Australia recently announced that it will join the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, an intergovernmental group of 60 countries.

The High Ambition Coalition is a global pact to protect 30 per cent of the world’s land and sea to halt the loss of species and ecosystems.

In a response to questions sent through email by the Samoa Observer email queries, a Australian High Commission spokesperson said that by joining the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, Australia is making a global pact to protect 30 per cent of the world’s land and sea and to halt the loss of species and ecosystems.

“With 29 per cent of our land and ocean currently in protected areas, Australia is well placed to make a strong contribution to a global ’30 by 30’ target,” the spokesperson said.

“Australia is committed to addressing the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. We are protecting biodiversity and investing in ecosystem restoration, including by funding innovative research and climate science.

“Australia’s AU$294 million National Environmental Science Program is supporting foundational research in nature-based solutions and informing climate adaptation solutions. 

"Australia is a founding member of the International Coral Reef Initiative, providing AU$1 million to its Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network.

“The Network helps to monitor the health of coral reef ecosystems, supporting conservation and management."

According to the Australian High Commission spokesperson, Australia is a leader in supporting the Blue Pacific to take climate action.

“We have pledged AU$1.5 billion in climate finance over 2020-2025 including AU$500 million in support for our Pacific neighbours to deploy renewable energy and strengthen resilience to climate impacts,” the spokesperson said.

“The Australian Climate Finance Partnership will mobilise innovative private sector investments in low emissions, and climate-resilient solutions in South-East Asia and the Pacific. 

"In addition, all infrastructure supported by the AUD2 billion Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) will be climate and disaster resilient.”