Bonn, 11 May 2012 - The French and Spanish e-books of the “Living Planet: Connected Planet” publication (Planète vivante - Planète connectée and Planeta vivo - Planeta conectado) are now available on the GRID-Arendal and CMS websites. The English version was launched in November 2011 at the COP10 in Norway and has ever since provided strong arguments for why ecological networks are vital for migratory animals.

On land, in the water and in the air, animals on the move depend on the availability of critical sites during their annual journeys. These world wildlife hubs are vital for the animals to refuel and reproduce – one missing link can jeopardize an entire population. The publication illustrates that much like modern transport systems with airports, railways and roads, migratory species have similar networks spanning the globe. Many of these hubs are under intense pressure from human development and the exploitation of natural resources.

The publication was made possible thanks to support from Norway and illustrates just how close collaboration between different countries must be to ensure that migratory wild animals can continue to travel, refuel and reach their destinations. The availability of this landmark document in all three working languages of the Convention should help to further strengthen such collaboration.