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CONSERVING LAND, WATER AND OCEANS

INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIVITY

Level: Introductory | Estimated completion time: 2 hours | Certificate upon completion

Skills: Understanding ecological connectivity, distinguishing structural and functional connectivity, linking connectivity to climate resilience, supporting inclusive corridor governance

New to ecological connectivity or looking to build a strong foundation? This introductory journey unpacks how nature stays connected—and why that matters. You’ll discover how wildlife moves, how ecosystems interact across landscapes and seascapes, and how people play a vital role in maintaining these connections. Learn the difference between structural and functional connectivity, explore real-world case studies, and understand how policy, planning, and inclusive governance can help keep nature connected.

Task 1: Introduction to
Ecological Connectivity
Task 2: Case study: Wildlife corridors in Sabah, Malaysia
Task 3: Case study: Restoring Lost Connections for Pacific Salmon, USA
Task 4: Case study: The Great Barrier Reef Marine Protected Area Network
Stop and check 1
Task 5: Social aspects
of connectivity
Stop and check 2
Task 6: Ecological connectivity in the context of sustainable development
Final test
Certificate of completion
REFERENCES

Additional Resources

Course
Connectivity 101: Ecological Connectivity for People and Planet Self-Paced Course (Center for Large Landscape Conservation)
The course introduces the fundamentals of ecological connectivity and practical strategies for conserving and restoring habitats, combining global best practices and case studies to equip practitioners and interested learners with actionable knowledge.
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Publication
Guidelines for Conserving Connectivity through Ecological Networks and Corridors (IUCN)
The guidelines outline new approaches to conserving biodiversity by strengthening ecological connectivity through networks and corridors, integrating science and practice across ecosystems and scales.
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Technical report
Addressing Ecological Connectivity in the Development of Roads, Railways and Canals (IUCN)
The report presents practical, science-based strategies for minimizing the impacts of linear transport infrastructure on biodiversity and ecological connectivity, promoting solutions and best practices across all stages of development.
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Article
Connectivity Conservation: The Time is Now (Parks Stewardship Forum)
The article explores how advancing connectivity conservation at landscape scale is crucial to achieving the 30x30 global goal, highlighting scientific, policy, and community-based approaches to tackling the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.
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Publication
Ecological Corridors - A Vital Nature-based Solution to Climate Change (Center for Large Landscape Conservation)
The paper highlights ecological corridors as a vital nature-based solution to climate change, enabling species adaptation, supporting ecosystem resilience, and complementing protected areas through connected, climate-responsive landscapes..
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Review
Ecological Connectivity in International Policy (CCSG)
The review highlights how international agreements, declarations, and policies are increasingly recognizing ecological connectivity as a critical strategy to address biodiversity loss, ecosystem fragmentation, and climate change, advancing coordinated action across sectors and borders.
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Article
Marine Connectivity Conservation: Guidance for MPA and MPA Network Design and Management (Marine Policy)
The guidance underscores the importance of integrating ecological connectivity into marine protected area design and networks, drawing on recent scientific advances and policy momentum to strengthen biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, and services.
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