Ecological connectivity conservation has become a priority internationally, across Europe, and within Spain, where it is crucial for the conservation and health of landscapes and ecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula—including the Mediterranean Region, a global biodiversity hotspot. A connected and well-conserved landscape is essential for advancing toward an ecologically coherent network of protected natural areas (PNAs), effectively combating the impacts of climate change, and halting the loss of associated natural and cultural values in the Iberian Peninsula.

Spain has a well-defined regulatory framework underpinning connectivity conservation. For example, connectivity is a fundamental pillar of so-called Green Infrastructure, whose other components are biodiversity and ecosystem services. The country also has a National Strategy for Green Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Restoration, along with a methodological guide that supports it. However, a key problem persists: the need for more coordinated and strategic efforts to determine where and what actions could have the greatest impact in achieving connectivity goals.

The First National Ecological Connectivity Dialogues

In this context, “Connectivity Conservation in Spain: A Dialogue to Accelerate Collaboration and Action”—the first of its kind in Spain—convened at the Catholic University of Ávila (UCAV), in Ávila, Spain, on June 24–26, 2025.

The Dialogues were based around international and national frameworks including the “30×30” Target of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, and the aforementioned Spanish National Strategy for Green Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Restoration. Forty-eight participants attended, representing the national government, autonomous communities, municipalities, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions. The event facilitated the exchange of experiences and the sharing of initiatives related to ecological connectivity and resulted in actionable priorities in four categories: Science and Data; Policy and Regulations; Financing; and Implementation and Management.

In organizing the meeting, the Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group was glad to partner with the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, the IUCN Spanish National Committee, and CSIC-EEZA with support from Fundación Aptenia, the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, the CEUICN-UCAV Chair at the Catholic University of Ávila, Fundación Biodiversidad and MITECO.