The 30 by 30 target explained
This page will help you:
- understand what 30 by 30 means
- know why the goal is important
- find out South Australia’s progress towards the target.
What does 30 by 30 mean?
The Australian Government has set a national target to protect and conserve 30% of Australia’s landmass and 30% of Australia’s marine areas by 2030 (the ‘30 by 30’ target).
Why is the 30 by 30 target important?
In South Australia, protecting and conserving 30% of our land and coastal waters by 2030 will help secure native habitats, safeguard unique species, and strengthen the state’s resilience to climate change.
South Australia’s 30 by 30 progress on land
As of 2026, South Australia’s state-managed protected areas cover 22% of the state.
Other protected areas on private lands bring the total to 29%.
Work is underway to reach 30% of land protected and conserved. An additional 1% equates to approximately 1 million hectares of land.
South Australia’s 30 by 30 achieved for marine areas
South Australia already exceeds the goal of protecting and conserving 30% of marine areas, with approximately 45% protected.
How are areas protected and conserved?
South Australia protects and conserves land through a mix of formal and emerging approaches that work together to safeguard biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes.
National parks, conservation parks and wilderness protection areas provide formal, legislated protection for important ecosystems.
Private landholders also contribute through Heritage Agreements that permanently safeguard native vegetation on their properties. Find out more about heritage agreements.
Indigenous Protected Areas support Traditional Owners to manage Country using cultural knowledge.
The state also recognises Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), commonly known as Conserved Areas in South Australia. Conserved areas can deliver long term biodiversity benefits on land that is not eligible for a protected area or heritage agreement. Privately owned land, pastoral leases, local government reserves, reservoir land or culturally significant landscapes can be recognised for conservation outcomes. Find out more about conserved areas in South Australia.
Together, these approaches create a flexible, statewide network that supports nature and cultural heritage.
