Frontiers 2018/19: Emerging Issues of Environmental Concern - Chapter 2

This chapter examines ecological connectivity as a response to accelerating habitat fragmentation driven by land conversion, infrastructure expansion and dam construction, which reduce species movement, genetic exchange and ecosystem resilience. It explains how fragmentation disrupts terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems, undermining biodiversity and ecological processes. Drawing on global evidence and case studies, the chapter outlines connectivity conservation approaches, including corridors, linkage zones and marine network design, and reviews emerging policy initiatives in several countries. It assesses progress towards international biodiversity targets, highlights gaps in the connectedness of protected areas, and emphasises the need for integrated planning, cross-sector collaboration and strengthened implementation to sustain ecological integrity under climate change. Full report is available at: https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/27538