International Collaboration Pushes for Ecological Networking at the United Nations

In a significant move for global biodiversity conservation, an ambitious new initiative called the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity (GPEC) was unveiled at the United Nations wildlife meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The launch coincided with the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

GPEC's work is aimed at enhancing global biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly focusing on ecological connectivity to support the survival and health of migratory species across the globe. The partnership seeks to mobilize necessary funding to implement these critical actions, which contribute directly to the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The initiative was motivated by the findings and recommendations of the CMS report, the "State of the World's Migratory Species." Mike Gill, Director of NatureServe’s Biodiversity Indicators Program and an expert in biodiversity conservation and monitoring programs, played a significant role in initiating GPEC through his leadership and collaboration with governments and organizations worldwide.

GPEC's work emphasizes the importance of ecological corridors in protecting biodiversity. It aims to identify, protect, and link critical areas essential for the survival and migration of wildlife. The partnership also emphasizes the importance of international and transboundary cooperation to maintain and enhance ecological connectivity, aligning with global conservation priorities, including the UN General Assembly Resolution "Nature Knows no Borders," adopted in 2021.

GPEC's efforts focus on four main areas: Data Research and Monitoring, Policy and Legislation, Uptake and Implementation, and Awareness Raising and Outreach. The partnership seeks to integrate and analyze scientific data, support evidence-based decision-making, encourage the application of connectivity conservation strategies, and increase public support for ecological connectivity.

The "State of the World's Migratory Species" report is available for reading in full, providing insights into the current state of migratory species and the challenges they face. A guide is also available for expanding Protected & Conserved Areas under the UN Global Biodiversity Framework.

The launch of GPEC at the UN wildlife meeting is a hopeful step forward in the collective effort to protect our planet's natural heritage and ensure a sustainable future for migratory species and ecosystems worldwide. As a sub-pillar of One Earth's Nature Conservation pillar, Wildlife Connectivity is a key focus area, aiming to ensure the unimpeded movement of species and the natural processes essential for life on Earth.

In the face of threats such as habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation, the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity offers a beacon of hope for the conservation of migratory species and the preservation of our planet's biodiversity.

International Collaboration Pushes for Ecological Networking at the United Nations