Bonn, 20 May 2022 - “Building a shared future for all life” is this year’s theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) which will be celebrated around the world on 22 May. The theme captures the spirit behind ongoing efforts to come up with a shared plan – a Global Biodiversity Framework – which will set the global conservation agenda for the next decade.

One of the key priorities for the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in the Global Biodiversity Framework is to ensure that there is appropriate attention to ecological connectivity – defined by CMS COP13 as the unimpeded movement of species and the flow of natural processes that sustain life on Earth.

The importance of ecological connectivity for healthy ecosystems cannot be overstated. Its role in addressing biodiversity loss was recognized when it was included in the Aichi Biodiversity Targets in 2010, yet its implementation has unfortunately been largely overlooked, a point underscored by the IPBES Global Biodiversity Assessment in 2019.

Connectivity is absolutely essential to achieving the objectives of the Convention on Migratory Species. First, migratory species rely on a network of specific types of sites and habitats as part of their annual movements. Second, migratory species must be able to move - unhindered - in order to reach these sites, which are often located across national boundaries and continents.

But connectivity is not just relevant to species. The recently launched UNCCD 2nd Global Land Outlook drew attention to the key role of ecological connectivity in effectively ensuring long-term positive impacts of interventions for restoring degraded lands and ecosystems.

Connectivity is about finding ways to protect our natural resources while supporting human needs. It is a powerful tool to assist governments in their national planning, so as to be able to map out which areas are a priority for conservation, and those which are most suitable for a variety of economic activities and human settlements. 

Connectivity can therefore be seen as a road map for Sustainable Development – a way to help build a shared future for all life.

Happy International Day for Biological Diversity!