Expressing the need for protecting and conserving at least 50 percent of the land, freshwater, and ocean ecosystems in the United States and encouraging diplomatic community efforts to achieve this goal worldwide.

This resolution declares that the House of Representatives recognizes an imminent crisis stemming from species extinction and the severe decline of biodiversity globally. It highlights alarming statistics, such as a 73-percent decrease in vertebrate populations since 1970 and over one million species currently threatened with extinction. The resolution underscores that climate change and human-driven land and sea use are major contributors to this crisis, which poses an existential threat to both humans and other species. To address this, the resolution calls for Congress to support the protection and conservation of at least 50 percent of the land, freshwater, and ocean ecosystems within the United States. Such conservation efforts are presented as crucial for mitigating climate change, providing essential ecosystem services like clean water and air, and supporting economic benefits through industries like outdoor recreation. It also acknowledges that protected natural areas offer cultural, spiritual, and health benefits, while preventing further degradation that disproportionately harms marginalized communities. Beyond domestic action, the resolution encourages diplomatic community efforts to achieve this ambitious 50-percent conservation goal worldwide. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative approaches, including public-private partnerships, the stewardship of local and Indigenous communities, and robust international cooperation. The resolution stresses the need for early and frequent stakeholder consultation to ensure equitable impacts and a just transition during these conservation initiatives.