The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) have launched a Global Land Outlook (GLO) thematic report that calls for protecting ecological connectivity. It proposes “connect to restore, restore to connect” as a guiding principle for the design, implementation, and monitoring of large-scale landscape conservation to benefit both nature and people.

The GLO ‘Thematic Report on Ecological Connectivity and Land Restoration’ depicts the interconnected nature of Earth’s landscapes, highlighting ecological connectivity as “a framework for understanding the complex and dynamic interactions between society and the environment.” Such connectivity encompasses ecological processes that connect communities, ecosystems, and landscapes.

The report warns that because of human activities, landscapes are becoming increasingly fragmented, which leads to the loss of their ability to support wildlife, regulate nutrient and water cycles, and withstand environmental stressors. “This makes them more vulnerable to drought, desertification and further land degradation which has significant costs to society,” it notes.

The report argues that, on the one hand, “maintaining or enhancing connectivity is crucial for effective restoration.” On the other hands, “restoring the health and productivity of the land can improve ecological connectivity.” Therefore, “[a]ddressing the current extent of land degradation and fragmentation requires the strategic, systematic and holistic combination of nature-based solutions adapted to local social-ecological contexts.”

The report identifies the need for “radical changes to the way we use and manage land resources,” including soil, water, and biodiversity, for more connected and resilient ecosystems and landscapes. It calls for integrating sustainable land and water management and ecological connectivity considerations into policies affecting key economic sectors, such as agriculture, forestry, water management, extractive industries, ecotourism, nature conservation, and urban planning. It recommends that implementation and monitoring consider any challenges that may arise from restored connectivity, for instance the spread of fire or invasive species.

The report underscores that well-connected ecosystems and landscapes are significantly more resilient to disasters, stresses, and shocks. For example, linking natural and agricultural landscapes through agroforestry and regenerative agriculture can improve soil health, farm productivity, and food security.

However, measures to restore degraded land and enhance ecological connectivity cannot be implemented in isolation. The report highlights the need to take into consideration local conditions and knowledge, as well as the need for incentives, supportive policies, and inclusive decision making. It calls for attention to data collection, participatory governance, gender equality, land rights, and the participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, to ensure restoration initiatives contribute to poverty eradication and sustainable development.

The report was launched on 11 October 2025, during the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). [Publication: GLO Thematic Report on Ecological Connectivity and Land Restoration] [Executive Summary] [Publication Landing Page] [Joint Press Release] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on Global Land Outlook 2022] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on Global Land Outlook 2017]