Are targets really SMART-er? Challenging assumptions behind global environmental policy goals to realize ocean equity

Abstract

Unpacking the dynamics of policy mobility is critical to understanding what happens when global environmental policies are implemented, including why equity goals remain unmet. In this paper, we ‘follow the policy’ focusing on two policies with ocean equity goals, the Aichi Biodiversity Target for protected areas and the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines. Through case studies of national-level implementation of these instruments in Mexico and Tanzania, we demonstrate how flexibility to determine implementation actions and indicators can benefit equity, in particular understudied recognitional and procedural dimensions of equity. Recently, the Convention on Biological Diversity negotiated new biodiversity targets for 2030. During this multi-year process, negotiators debated whether or not to include difficult-to-measure equity elements within the protected areas target, given the commitment to making all targets “SMART” (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) as policymakers ‘doubled down on targets’ and the underlying metrological regime despite their failings. Based on our analysis, we outline alternative strategies to ‘double down on equity’ instead.