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What is Ecological Connectivity?
Ecology Connections Globally and Locally Biome Essay

Purpose: for students to apply their unit Ecology content to real-world examples and discuss some local ecosystems in crisis.
Directions: this week’s discussion consists of one written essay with essentially two parts… one is a biome fact sheet and the other about a local organism/ecosystem in crisis
[1] Teach your peers about a non-local biome (~ 1 page with APA citations)
>> you will first visit the following website and read up on World Biomes: https://blueplanetbiomes.org/index.php
>> next, choose a biome (that is NOT indicative of your local ecosystems in the Cayman Islands) and write a 2-3 paragraph educational summary about it (define it, describe its characteristics, give its geographic range, and provide examples)
>> finally, research a current issue that your biome is facing today and write a 1-2 paragraph summary outlining it. If you need ideas, check out: https://environmentalsciencebiomes.weebly.com/threats-to-biomes.html
[2] Discuss a local organism in the Cayman Islands that is being threatened and their role in a local ecosystem (~ ½-1 page reflection)
>> choose a local organism that is either threatened or endangered (ex. sea turtles, coral, iguana, etc.) and research it’s role in the ecosystem and what is causing the major issue(s).
>> educate your peers on the details; make sure you point out what ecological role and significance your organism possesses; how does it interact with other organisms; then describe the causes of the issues and predict what could happen if it vanishes. (extra credit for finding and including a picture)

What is Ecological Connectivity?

Ecological connectivity is an essential part of nature. It is necessary for the functionality of ecosystems, is key for the survival of wild animals and plant species and is crucial to ensuring genetic diversity and adapting to climate change across all biomes and spatial scales. While not being a new conservation topic, ecological connectivity has not been effectively reflected or implemented in the global biodiversity strategy that concluded in 2020.

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A definition for ecological connectivity was developed in 2019, in the context of a series of meetings convened by the CMS Secretariat to identify CMS priorities for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework :

Definition

“Ecological Connectivity is the unimpeded movement of species and the flow of natural processes that sustain life on Earth.”

Why Is Ecological Connectivity Important?

The concept and the role of ecological connectivity has become increasingly important in the past decades due to habitat modifications, such as overexploitation and fragmentation that have led to the consequent decline of biodiversity. It is an important planning tool for governments to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in order to achieve economic, development and environmental goals.

Connectivity conservation (maintaining, enhancing or restoring connectivity) is a direct response to the destruction and fragmentation of vegetation, habitats and loss of Earth’s species. It is a key tool for the safeguard and management of habitats, biodiversity and ecosystem functions such as migration, hydrology, nutrient cycling, pollination, seed dispersal, food security, climate resilience and disease resistance. (IUCN, 2020).