Human Mobility and Biological Diversity

The Biodiversity and Human Mobility is essential for ecosystem services that support human well-being. Human mobility, including migration, tourism, and urban expansion, has both direct and indirect impacts on biodiversity. These interactions are influenced by socio-economic, political, and environmental factors. This report examines the current state of knowledge on the relationship between biodiversity and human mobility, focusing on key drivers, impacts, and potential policy interventions.

Address the impacts of human mobility on biodiversity through the promotion of positive practices and adequate attention to human mobility dynamics. Given the unprecedented scale of migration across the world and its impact on biodiversity and environmental conservation, it is fundamental to better bridge action across the governance of migration and biodiversity 
conservation to achieve common objectives.

1. Maximize the positive contributions of migrants and diasporas to biodiversity conservation, restoration and sustainable use efforts, including through leveraging remittances and knowledge exchange. 
2. Include migrants and displaced populations, including labour and returning migrants, in biodiversity conservation efforts through the integration in green jobs to strengthen livelihoods and leave no one behind, with a dedicated focus on intersectional gender approaches, leveraging good practices in agroecology promotion, among other nature-based solutions, in support of target 10 of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
3.  Mitigate the potential negative impacts of human mobility on the environment and on biodiversity through collaborative action, capacity building and improved mobility governance, including the linkages with conflict situations.
4. Leverage the positive contribution of transhumance practices for the conseravation of biodiversity in partnership and collaboration with involved populations

The three objectives set out by the CDB

• the conservation of biological diversity
• the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity
• the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources

The world is in motion, and our planet is on the move. As we bear witness to unprecedented shifts in climate, the devastating consequences of environmental change, and the heartbreaking fallout of conflicts, it becomes increasingly evident that our approach to conservation must evolve to address these interconnected challenges.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) play pivotal role in fostering global cooperation and action. By integrating biodiversity conservation into broader policies on migration, development, and climate resilience, these institutions can help ensure that ecosystems continue to support livelihoods, enhance resilience, and contribute to sustainable development.

We urge continued commitment to the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and related international agreements, as well as the incorporation of biodiversity considerations into the frameworks guiding migration and human mobility. Only through concerted global action can we ensure that biodiversity thrives for future generations, supporting a healthier planet and more equitable world.

To conclude, biodiversity is the cornerstone of our planet's health and resilience, providing essential ecosystem services that sustain human life and well-being. As we face the escalating impacts of climate change, habitat loss, and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, the urgency of safeguarding biodiversity cannot be overstated. This report highlights the need for robust, collaborative efforts among all stakeholders—governments, international organizations, communities, and the private sector—to protect and restore biodiversity.

Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Events at COP16

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