The question of how much nature is needed is of critical importance. Despite multiple knowledge and data gaps we can use existing data to provide an approximate estimate of aminimum global target for protected area coverage on land for safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem services (data for an equivalent marine analysis are currently unavailable). Such an estimate will necessarily be an approximation, and probably an underestimate given that data for most ecosystem services are lacking. But some estimate is needed to illustrate to what extent the current policy target for protected area coverage on land may be sufficient to meet its goals.