Connecting coasts to protect migratory species

The side event, “Strengthening Cooperation for Coastal Connectivity to Conserve the World’s Migratory Species,” highlighted the growing role of the World Coastal Forum (WCF) in supporting implementation of the Convention on Migratory Species and advancing global efforts at the climate–biodiversity nexus.

Bringing together representatives from governments, international organisations and civil society—including BirdLife International, Eco-Foundation Global and IUCN as well as the CMS Energy Taskforce—the discussion underscored a shared priority: translating global commitments into coordinated, on-the-ground action.

Strengthening collaboration across scales

Opening the discussion, Dr. Ivan Ramirez from the CMS Secretariat emphasised the importance of expanding engagement through the World Coastal Forum to include both CMS Parties and non-Parties. He highlighted the need for increased capacity and sustained support to address the scale of challenges facing coastal ecosystems, reaffirming the CMS’ commitment to the platform.

From a national perspective, Luciane Paixão from the Ministry of Environment of Brazil presented Brazil’s efforts to strengthen coastal governance. She outlined the creation of a dedicated department for ocean and coastal management, alongside a new national climate plan with a strong focus on coastal adaptation. These efforts are complemented by the expansion of protected areas and the development of a major plastic reduction initiative, reflecting an integrated approach to climate and biodiversity challenges.

From knowledge to implementation

Nicola Crockford from the World Coastal Forum reflected on the Forum’s evolution since its launch at CMS COP12, noting its growth to 25 partners and its increasing role as a platform for collaboration. She highlighted the development of key knowledge products to be launched soon, including a Conservation Toolkit and the State of the World’s Coastal Ecosystems report, which aim to support countries in translating science into action.

The discussion also explored the critical links between coastal habitats and migratory species, including sharks and birds. Irene Kingma from the Dutch Elasmobranch Society; Yoon Lee from the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership; and Ingrid Coetzee from ICLEI, highlighted regional and thematic initiatives—from the protection of tidal flats along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway to city-led conservation efforts—demonstrating how local, regional and global actions must align to maintain ecological connectivity.

Aligning renewable energy and biodiversity

IUCN Energy Transition Lead, Rachel Asante-Owusu, outlined ongoing work to ensure that renewable energy development, particularly wind and solar, is compatible with biodiversity goals. She pointed to IUCN’s efforts to support spatial planning, address cumulative impacts, and develop practical guidance and toolkits for offshore wind and grid infrastructure, alongside strengthening scientific partnerships.

A platform for collective action

The event concluded with a shared call to strengthen the World Coastal Forum as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and coordinated action. Participants emphasised the need to maintain momentum, expand partnerships and continue developing practical tools that support implementation across regions.

As pressures on coastal ecosystems intensify, the discussion reinforced a central message: protecting migratory species depends on connected ecosystems—and on sustained cooperation to protect them. 

Learn more about IUCN's work on the energy transition.