Connectivity conservation: The time is now

The theory and practice of connectivity conservation have matured, we are now at the point where intentional, landscape-scale ecological networks poised to play an indispensable role in drive protect conserve least 30% Earth’s lands waters by 2030. Clearly, achieving “30x30” goal is urgent matter as a big step toward what nature needs. stark conclusions latest IPCC report leave no doubt that 2020s will be decisive decade for planet, there broad scientific agreement biodiversity climate change emergencies must met tandem. For conservationists, this means scaling up both our thinking ambitions. While formal protected areas other effective area-based measures (OECMs; also referred “conserved areas”) form bedrock conservation, equally important connections between among these areas. featured theme papers issue Parks Stewardship Forum explain recent advances spelling out has happen hit 30x30 target, exploring how science policy aligning support livelihoods local communities human rights while contributing global environmental goals, providing concrete examples can applied meet challenges time.