The Laurentian Great Lakes are a defining feature of Michigan's identity, providing drinking water for millions, habitat for thousands of species, and unparalleled economic, cultural, and recreational value. However, Michigan's coastal and open waters face escalating challenges, including legacy contamination, impacts from climate change, and the threat of biodiversity loss. Many of these same threats are felt across the globe - often referred to as the "Triple Planetary Crisis" of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. In an effort to combat these compounding crises, the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) Convention on Biodiversity in 2022 established a global goal to conserve 30% of land and water by 2030, also known as 30x30. More than 100 countries, including the United States, have agreed to pursue the 30x30 goal. In response to the United States' America the Beautiful 30x30 call to action, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is working to advance biodiversity protection by fostering community and state collaboration through the Michigan the Beautiful (MtB) initiative to conserve 30% of Michigan's land and water by 2030. The Great Lakes - representing 20% of the world's fresh water supply and 40% of Michigan's area - are crucial to achieving this goal.