Working Group on Ecolocigal Connectivity
Connectivity is a key word of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the only global legal instrument devoted to the conservation of migratory animals. Recently, increasing attention and importance are being given to the role that connectivity plays in nature conservation, and in the face of both the ongoing biodiversity crisis and escalating climate-driven ecological catastrophes, the role it plays in the protection and retention of ecological integrity. The need to maintain and enhance ecological connectivity has been recognized by many international processes, such as the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, which adopted Resolution 75/271 Nature knows no borders: transboundary cooperation – a key factor for biodiversity conservation, restoration and sustainable use, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CMS (COP15) adopted Resolution 14.16 (Rev.COP15) Ecological Connectivity and Decisions 15.196 - 15.197 on Ecological Connectivity.
Purpose
The primary objective of the Working Group is to support the delivery of relevant tasks contained in the Programme of Work of the Sessional Committee (POW). In addition, the Working Group will support the implementation of relevant Resolutions and Decisions directed to the Scientific Council. The Working Group will support the implementation of connectivity-related goals and targets of the Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species 2024-2032, including their contribution to connectivity-related goals and targets to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the further development of its monitoring framework. The Working Group will provide a platform to discuss and exchange information and scientific findings on ecological connectivity-related matters also with a view to further developing the CMS Thematic Webpage on Connectivity. A workplan detailing specific activities will be developed for each intersessional period.
Terms of References of the Working Group on Ecological Connectivity