Across the world, ecosystems are under increasing pressure. Climate change is accelerating, and up to one million species are currently at risk of extinction (IPBES, 2019). Human activities have already transformed more than 75% of terrestrial ecosystems, while remaining intact areas are becoming increasingly isolated (Ellis et al., 2010; Venter et al., 2016; Watson et al., 2018).
These global trends are particularly acute in European Union outermost regions and Overseas Countries and Territories (ORs and OCTs). Characterised by high levels of endemism, limited land area and strong human pressures, these territories are especially vulnerable to deforestation, habitat degradation and fragmentation.
It is in this context that the BESTLIFE2030 Programme operates. Implemented under the EU LIFE Programme, BESTLIFE2030 supports locally driven conservation projects in ORs and OCTs, addressing biodiversity loss where it is most pressing and often under-resourced. A central focus of the Programme is ecosystem restoration, not as isolated interventions, but as a means to restore ecological connectivity across landscapes and seascapes.
Fragmentation: When habitats lose their connections
Deforestation and habitat loss are no longer only questions of how much natural area remains, but of how those areas are connected to one another. Across terrestrial, freshwater and coastal systems, landscapes are increasingly divided into smaller, more isolated units. These changes restrict species movement and disrupt ecological processes.
Scientific evidence demonstrates that ecological connectivity, defined as the unimpeded movement of species and the flow of natural processes, is essential for ecosystem functioning and for maintaining biodiversity, particularly in fragmented landscapes (CMS, 2020; Hilty et al., 2020). Without connectivity, populations become isolated, genetic exchange declines and species are less able to adapt to environmental change, including climate change (Hilty et al., 2020).
Islands and outermost regions illustrate this challenge clearly. Even small breaks in habitat continuity can have disproportionate impacts on species survival. As highlighted in the IUCN guidelines for conserving connectivity through ecological networks and corridors, protected areas alone are often insufficient in such contexts; active restoration and reconnection of habitats are required (Hilty et al., 2020; IUCN WCPA, 2019).
BESTLIFE2030 responds to this need by supporting projects that restore connectivity where fragmentation occurs and by strengthening local capacity to sustain these efforts over time.
Working at small scales, with realistic expectations
While ecological connectivity provides a strong scientific framework for conservation action, the interventions supported under BESTLIFE2030 are context-specific, small-scale and often implemented in highly constrained environments. In many EU outermost regions and Overseas Countries and Territories, restoration takes place in landscapes that are already heavily modified, where space is limited and pressures persist. As a result, the outcomes described in this article should be understood as intended results rather than guaranteed endpoints.
Several BESTLIFE2030 projects adopt pilot or experimental approaches, testing restoration methods, species responses and governance models in real-world conditions. This reflects best practice in connectivity conservation, which recognises that restoring ecological networks is a long-term process requiring adaptive management, monitoring and learning (Hilty et al., 2020). Even modest interventions such as restoring a riparian corridor, re-establishing mangrove patches or reconnecting post-disturbance habitats can contribute incremental gains while generating knowledge to inform future action at larger scales.
Reconnecting landscapes through rivers: Bouyouni River, Mayotte
Riparian forests are among the most effective natural connectors, functioning as linear ecological corridors that link upland and coastal ecosystems (Hilty et al., 2020). In Mayotte, degradation of riparian vegetation along the Bouyouni River has weakened water quality, bank stability and ecological continuity between inland forests and the lagoon.
The Ecological restoration of the riparian forests of the Bouyouni River project works with local authorities and stakeholders to replant native species along riverbanks and restore riparian forest structure. Beyond ecological benefits, the project also addresses concerns linked to drinking water resources and long-term watershed resilience, illustrating how restoring connectivity can benefit both biodiversity and local communities.
Mangroves as living interfaces: Port Cohé, Martinique
Connectivity does not stop at the coastline. Mangroves form critical links between terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, and their fragmentation disrupts ecological flows that sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services (Hilty et al., 2020).
At Port Cohé in Martinique, deforestation, informal development and pollution have fragmented mangrove habitats. The Reclamation and resilience of the Port Cohé mangrove project supports natural regeneration and active restoration through native species cultivation, replanting and long-term monitoring. Local residents, schools and municipal actors are involved throughout the process, reinforcing stewardship and long-term protection of this ecosystem.
This people-centred approach reflects BESTLIFE2030’s emphasis on co-construction with local communities, recognising that ecological connectivity and social engagement are closely linked.
Connectivity at the scale of species: Jaguar conservation in French Guiana
Some species depend on connectivity across much larger spatial scales. The jaguar, for example, requires extensive, connected forest landscapes to maintain viable populations.
The CoJaG – Coexisting with the jaguar in French Guiana project demonstrates how habitat fragmentation increases human–wildlife conflict and threatens species survival. By working with local communities, hunters and land users, the project promotes coexistence while reinforcing forest connectivity. This approach aligns with connectivity science, which emphasises that conservation actions must match the ecological needs of species (Hilty et al., 2020).
Building the foundations of restoration: LAPWENT LOKAL, Guadeloupe
Restoring ecological connectivity also depends on practical capacity. Native plant production is a foundational element of effective restoration, particularly in island contexts.
LAPWENT LOKAL, the Caribbean nursery produces native plant species adapted to local conditions. These plants supply restoration projects across Guadeloupe, enabling the rehabilitation of degraded forest patches and ecological corridors. By supporting local expertise and employment, the project strengthens both ecological and social resilience.
Restoring connectivity after disturbance: Maïdo, Réunion
Connectivity can be lost suddenly through disturbances such as wildfires. In Réunion, fire events have fragmented forest habitats, increasing the risk of invasive species expansion.
The EXPRIM – Post-fire ecological regeneration pilot project at Maïdo, led by the National Botanical Conservatory of Mascarin, focuses on restoring native vegetation following fire events. By supporting regeneration and monitoring recovery, the project helps re-establish ecological connectivity and prevents disturbed areas from becoming long-term barriers to species movement (Hilty et al., 2020).
Reconnecting transition zones: Vieux-Fort River, Marie-Galante
Transition zones between ecosystems are often critical points for connectivity. At the mouth of the Vieux-Fort River in Saint-Louis de Marie-Galante, habitat degradation has disrupted links between forest and aquatic environments.
The Restoration of the ecological continuity of the mouth of the Vieux-Fort River project restores native vegetation and ecological functions at this interface. By reconnecting forest and river habitats, the project supports species movement and reinforces landscape-scale ecological networks, consistent with IUCN best-practice guidance (Hilty et al., 2020).
BESTLIFE2030: Restoring connectivity where it matters most
Together, these projects illustrate how BESTLIFE2030 addresses deforestation and habitat loss through connectivity-focused ecosystem restoration, tailored to the realities of Europe’s overseas and outermost regions.
By supporting local actors, strengthening technical capacity and embedding restoration within communities, BESTLIFE2030 goes beyond conventional conservation approaches. It helps rebuild ecological networks while ensuring that people living closest to these ecosystems are active participants in their protection.
In territories where fragmentation poses an immediate threat to biodiversity, restoring connectivity is not optional. Through BESTLIFE2030, it becomes a practical, locally grounded response to a global challenge.
Key reference
Hilty, J., Worboys, G.L., Keeley, A., Woodley, S., Lausche, B., Locke, H., Carr, M., Pulsford I., Pittock, J., White, J.W., Theobald, D.M., Levine, J., Reuling, M., Watson, J.E.M., Ament, R., and Tabor, G.M. (2020). Guidelines for conserving connectivity through ecological networks and corridors. Best Practice Protected Area Guidelines Series No. 30. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.
