Nearly 90 Million Acres Protected: Celebrating Milestones of the 30x30 Legacy
Exploring Colorado’s Rocky Mountains as a young man, I saw how natural environments breathe life into our planet and enliven the human spirit. My formative experiences in the American West sparked a commitment to conservation and a belief that future generations should be afforded the same opportunity to connect to the natural world.
Fast forward to 1998. With the establishment of the Wyss Foundation, we dedicated resources to the idea that wild lands and waters are best conserved not in private hands, locked behind gates, but as public national parks, wildlife refuges, and marine reserves forever open for everyone to experience and explore. The notion of holding these places in public trust is uniquely American, born in the United States in the 19th century, and something I wanted to dedicate my philanthropy towards.
So in 2018, I pledged $1 billion to preserve 30% of our planet in its natural state by 2030 and the Wyss Foundation launched the Wyss Campaign for Nature. Three years later, I pledged an additional $500 million to the cause. We set ambitious goals, because the moment called for it.
As I wrote at the time of the pledge, “plant and animal species are estimated to be disappearing at a rate 1,000 times faster than they were before humans arrived on the scene. Climate change is upending natural systems across the planet. Forests, fisheries and drinking water supplies are imperiled as extractive industries chew further into the wild.”
But now, more than a quarter of a century after the founding of the Wyss Foundation and just seven years after launching the Wyss Campaign for Nature, I am proud to share how far we’ve come.
The Wyss Campaign for Nature has helped local indigenous communities, national governments, land trusts, and non-profit partners permanently protect nearly 90 million acres of land and more than 1.7 square kilometers of ocean – an area of land roughly the size of Finland and an area of ocean nearly the size of Mexico. Additionally, in 2022, incredible progress was made when representatives from 188 governments ratified a plan to preserve at least 30% of the planet’s surface in a natural state by 2030. When I made my initial pledge in 2018, I didn’t know how much progress we would be able to make. Thousands have rallied to protect the Earth, turning what started as a personal commitment into a shared, worldwide mission.
These impressive accomplishments are not just numbers – they represent permanent protection for thriving ecosystems, sacred Indigenous territories, and habitats for countless species. This progress is a testament to what is possible when people come together with the shared purpose of safeguarding the planet for future generations.
The Wyss Campaign for Nature is not only about the protection of landmasses. It’s about stewardship and ensuring public access. These lands and bodies of water are meant to be experienced, respected, and cherished by all people. Conserving landscapes for future generations means empowering local communities, respecting local cultures, and facilitating sustainable management that allows populations from across the globe to connect to the land and make the most of what Earth has to offer.
As we continue toward our 2030 goal, we remain committed to supporting the communities and partners that are leading the way. The Wyss Campaign for Nature strives for a future in which people and nature can thrive together. Our journey is far from over and there is much more collaboration and innovation to come. We’ve only scratched the surface of what is possible, and I am eager to build upon our incredible momentum.
________________________
About Hansjörg Wyss
Hansjörg Wyss is a philanthropist and conservationist who fell in love with the American landscape and spirit upon moving here nearly half a century ago. Wyss dedicates his philanthropy to advancing research and innovation, conservation, economic opportunity, education, and the arts, driven by a deep commitment to giving back and preserving the best of America for future generations. Learn more about Mr. Wyss’ philanthropic efforts by visiting https://www.wyssfoundation.org/about-hansjorg-wyss.