GOAL: Ecosystem connectivity data, knowledge and information is available, readily accessible to all stakeholders and connectivity indicators are widely monitored.
Effective measures and actions for ecological connectivity need to be grounded in good data but there remains significant gaps that need to be addressed. Such gaps included the identification of basic connectivity processes in yet unmapped or under-researched areas; important habitats; terrestrial, inland water and coastal and marine areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services; and existing and emerging threats.
Advancing more consistent and replicable guidance, methods and tools will also be supported by the partnership. This will include ongoing monitoring of scientific developments, dissemination and sharing of information, and providing applicable guidance and principles on emerging experience and practices.
Enhanced monitoring and evaluation is also necessary for measuring progress towards meeting ecological connectivity conservation goals. More application of existing and innovative indicators, metrics, and methodologies, as well as comprehensive management and monitoring plans and practices will be supported by the partnership as key to supporting iterative learning and ongoing adaptive management to enhance effectiveness.
Collective Priorities
- Identify gaps and support data collection to fill gaps on important habitats for, and climate change impacts on, terrestrial, inland water, and marine and coastal CMS listed species
- Consolidate existing migratory route and corridor maps, supporting the development of new ones where gaps exist across terrestrial, inland water and marine and coastal ecosystems and provide guidance on using these maps to support decision-making
- Improve knowledge on the linkages between ecological connectivity and ecosystem services
- Develop and promote a robust connectivity indicator for use in post 2030 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and other fora and support Parties in monitoring existing KMGBF connectivity indicators
- Develop guidance for funders and implementers on the inclusion of connectivity indicators into projects
- Support the new Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) assessment on spatial planning and ecological connectivity as well as other key regional/ global reports related to connectivity