This side event will focus on efforts to recognise critical habitat and pathways for migratory species in the context of Goal A of the post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Ecosystem connectivity also has relevance for a broader range of species and their survival. Target 3 of the GBF (as drafted) maintains continuity with Aichi Target 11, specifically referring to well-connected systems or networks of marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures. We showcase latest efforts that can contribute to ensuring and enabling Parties to achieve a higher percentage of protected areas and that also support objectives of the Convention on Migratory Species.  

 

Co-organizers: French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative (GOBI)

 

Agenda of the event (Duration: 90 minutes):

 

• Science driven processes in support of decision-making: scientific design and progress with identifying taxa-specific critical areas ([IBAs, IMMAs, IMTAs, ISRAs, consolidation into KBAs, contribution to EBSAs, etc.)

 

• Concrete examples and relevant results

- How science underpins our understanding of connectivity : highlights from the i-Atlantic project 

 

- Roundtable - On-going initiatives to recognize connectivity corridors. Panelists: BirdLide, Migratory Connectivity (MiCO), MarViva Foundation (Sargadom project in the high seas - TBC). 

 

• Gearing up to meet 30x30 commitments: EBSAs in ABNJ

 

• Milestones to the UN Ocean Conference 2025 co-hosted by France and Costa Rica (tbc)