On August 21, the Massachusetts Governor’s office unveiled a 25-year plan to protect and restore nature across the state. The plan, known as the Biodiversity Conservation Goals for the Commonwealth, is designed to restore natural ecosystems, sustain the health and well-being of residents, improve access to fresh food, and enhance the overall quality of life and economy.

The Administration also announced Massachusetts’ intention to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) to deepen the state’s commitment to national and global leadership on conservation. Massachusetts will be the first state to join. Massachusetts is also one of three states to join in the United Nations High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People. 

“Our lands, waters, and wildlife are at the heart of what makes Massachusetts so special. They shape our identity, drive our economy, promote public health and support the way of life we value,” said Healey.

Launched by Healey’s Executive Order  No. 618, the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game engaged state agencies, municipalities, Tribes, and community partners to develop this whole-of-government approach. This is the first time a state has comprehensively set biodiversity targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050, including for coastal and marine habitats.

The plan is structured around four key goals—Protect, Restore, Sustain, and Connect—each defining specific strategies for action. Also included are governance and innovative funding models to drive action. 

Mass Audubon is making a $5 million investment to support Massachusetts in achieving the “30 by 30” goal of safeguarding 30 percent of our natural areas by 2030. Additionally, the state is investing $4 million from capital funding, part of which will go towards establishing the Local Biodiversity Grant Program. The program will provide funding for municipalities, Tribes, non-profits and community organizations to enhance conservation efforts, as well as for marine habitat restoration.

The Administration’s recently proposed Mass Ready Act also includes $370.5 million for land protection and biodiversity. It also includes $20 million dedicated to advancing the Biodiversity Goals for the Commonwealth.  The Mass Ready Act also includes $5 million to restore important marine habitats to support our blue economy, sustainable fisheries, coastal resilience, and carbon sequestration.

 

Biodiversity Conservation Goals

Protect

Protect Land and Water: Preserve 30% of Massachusetts’ lands and waters by 2030 and 40% by 2050, focusing on the most important habitats for wildlife.

Safeguard Key Habitat: Protect over 425,000 acres of essential habitats. 

Create Safe Wildlife Crossings: Establish natural corridors that enable safe movement and access to food for fish and wildlife. 

Care for our Oceans: Support designation of Cashes Ledge National Marine Sanctuary, a vital habitat for fish and marine mammals. 

Reduce Pollution, Pesticides, and Plastics: Implement community-driven initiatives to curb pollution, clean up plastics and marine debris, reduce pesticide use, and safeguard local ecosystems.

Restore

Revitalize Essential Habitats: Restore 75% of the most important natural environments by 2050.

Enhance River Ecosystems: Remove over 10% of obsolete dams and restore fish passage in all coastal watersheds by 2050. 

Safer Communities: Upgrade 2,500 culverts by 2050 to support wildlife, while also reducing flooding risks. 

Restore Marine Habitats: Restore salt marshes, eelgrass, kelp, oyster, and artificial reef to support our blue economy and sustainable fisheries.

Accelerate Nature Based Solutions: Cut the green tape to fast-track projects that have immediate benefits for biodiversity and resilience through streamlining permitting and reduce costs.

Sustain 

Support Local Food Initiatives: Foster local farming, foraging, and fishing practices to strengthen food security. 

Boost our Blue Economy: Invest in working waterfronts and marine habitat restoration to sustain and grow Massachusetts’ seafood industry. 

Connect

Nature in the Neighborhoods: Build community gardens, parks, and green spaces in every neighborhood to bolster wildlife and pollinator populations.

Inspire Future Generations: Launch Nature in the Schools initiative to engage young people in environmental stewardship through schools and community programs.

Nature At Work: Identify gaps, licenses, and trainings needed to launch the next generation of the conservation and restoration workforce. Develop targeted Career Innovation Pathways for high school and vocational-technical programs.