Restore habitat connectivity through locally governed recovery

Restore or manage corridors, stepping-stone habitats, riparian zones and other ecological connections between isolated populations. Local and Indigenous rights-holders should participate in selecting sites, governing access, managing trade-offs and monitoring effects.

Connectivity can restore dispersal, seasonal movement and gene flow, but a corridor is useful only if its habitat quality, width, location and disturbance level fit the focal species. The Convention on Migratory Species identifies ecological connectivity as essential to functioning ecosystems and migratory species conservation.

Projects should assess whether restored links could also spread disease, invasive species, fire or conflict, and should use monitoring to adapt management.