2025: What Does ‘Well Connected’ Mean in the Context of Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework? (TNC)
The United Nations’ 2030 biodiversity goals call for conserving at least 30% of land and sea ecosystems. To address habitat fragmentation and support species migration, protected areas should be “well-connected,” per the goals, though that phrase is not defined. This project seeks to provide quantitative guidance to countries and others on interpreting whether their protected areas are “well-connected.” Researchers at Cornell University and The Nature Conservancy will develop statistical thresholds for indicators that classify protected-area connectivity as low, medium, or high, at the individual area level and at landscape levels. They will also assess the applicability of these indicators and thresholds through national case studies.
Cornell: Gary Tabor (Cornell CALS/Natural Resources and the Environment)
TNC: Erin Poor, Kimberly Hall, Carrie Schloss, Aaron Jones
Collaborators: Annika Keeley (Center for Large Landscape Conservation)