Reinforcing the overall theme of CMS COP15 “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life”, this event will highlight ecological connectivity as an essential foundation for achieving multiple environmental, social, and economic priorities that are supported by well-functioning ecosystems and the services they provide.

 

The important role of ecological connectivity, as defined by CMS as “the unimpeded movement of species, connection of habitats without hindrance and the flow of natural processes that sustain life on Earth”, is being increasingly recognized at national and international levels. For example, CMS’s Resolution 14.16 on Ecological Connectivity, UNCCD’s COP 15 “Land, Life and Legacy” Declaration, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s Goal A, Target 1, 2, 3 and 12, and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Strategic Plan (2025-34) Goal 3.

 

With contributions from multiple countries where connectivity initiatives are ongoing, this event will showcase how maintained, enhanced, and/or restored connectivity is supporting the achievement of multiple national and regional environmental, social, and economic goals. Selected countries will highlight how connectivity through its critical role in supporting healthy ecosystems, not only benefits nature, but also people by improving food and water security, increasing climate change resilience, and enhancing human well-being. The event will further highlight how ecological connectivity serves as a powerful tool in leveraging transboundary and cross-sectoral cooperation.

 

Overall, the event will demonstrate the importance of collective and coherent action in scaling up ecological connectivity around the world through multistakeholder platforms such as the now fully operational Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity (GPEC), which was launched at CMS COP 14.