Overview
Movement is a key component of at least nine Sustainable Development Goals, fifteen targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and one class of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs). However, workflows to transform raw movement tracks into global conservation policy are highly underdeveloped. We aim to close the science-policy gap by developing an informed community of practice that will facilitate the integration of tracking data into environmental policy at national and global scales. A key outcome of the workshop will include the creation of a new thematic Biodiversity Observation Network (BON) to harmonize new and existing efforts with relevance to multilateral environmental agreements & processes (e.g., Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Migratory Species) and to foster collaboration beyond the initial workshop. This workshop is the product of a proposal developed by the Smithsonian Institution, WILDLABS, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the University of Central Florida.
Workshop goals
- Enhance science-policy integration: Promote a shared understanding of the science-policy pipeline for movement data across aerial, aquatic, and terrestrial ecosystems.
- Coordinate with existing initiatives: Collaboratively pursue opportunities to close identified gaps in the information pipeline for movement data.
- Derive actionable insights for policymakers: Develop meaningful indices that explicitly link changes in animal movement with biodiversity outcomes at national and global scales.
- Operationalize solutions: Foster relationships with signatory countries to develop frameworks, build capacity, and create national-level case studies that demonstrate the value of incorporating movement-derived insights into decision-making processes.
- Formalize a new Biodiversity Observation Network (BON): Establish the scope and management structure for a proposed thematic Biodiversity Observation Network (BON) focused on animal movement.
Visualizing the potential for Move BON to impact the conservation of biological diversity through a commitment to collaboration, coordination, accessibility, and knowledge sharing. Illustration by Nick Garnhart.
This workshop is by invitation only. Please contact us if you would like to hear about future developments and opportunities or join the conversation in the WILDLABS Animal Movement Group!
