Migratory species connect our cities and ecosystems across the globe. As they travel along their routes, they face increasing threats from habitat loss, urban expansion, and climate change. Cities play a crucial role in protecting these species and fostering ecological connectivity.
In the wake of the realities laid out in the first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report, as well as new findings highlighting how climate change is impacting migratory species, this initiative will support cities and regions as they take action to conserve these vulnerable species and their migratory journeys.
Journeys for Life is a global initiative that empowers cities to take action in conservation, raise awareness, and engage communities in protecting migratory species.
Join us in creating safe and sustainable pathways!
The two greatest threats to migratory species are overexploitation and habitat loss due to human activity.
What we aim to achieve
Raising Awareness: We are creating social media campaigns to help more people understand just how important migratory species are for healthy urban ecosystems and global biodiversity.
Inspiring Action: We want to get citizens, local groups, and organizations involved in hands-on activities that support migratory species and the places they live.
Increasing Knowledge and Collaboration: By providing a space for success stories, lessons from participating cities, and presentations from experts we aim to spark ideas, inspire partnerships, and scale up what works.
Influencing Policy: We are working to make sure migratory species are part of urban planning and city policies and bringing city voices to the table at major global biodiversity events.
Why it matters
More Engaged Communities: When people understand the role migratory species play in their local environment, they’re more likely to care and to support efforts that protect these species and their habitats.
Global Recognition: Cities that lead the way in promoting migratory species and commit to biodiversity and climate solutions are recognized as global sustainability leaders.
The Learning Lab webinar series
A cornerstone of this initiative is the Journeys for Life Learning Labs, a capacity-building webinar series designed to empower local and regional governments with the necessary tools, knowledge and networks to take action for migratory species.
Benefits
Practical Skills & Knowledge: Learn about the challenges migratory species face in cities and how to tackle them through better planning, policy, and community action.
Tools for Action: Get access to planning tools, monitoring systems, and strategies to support urban biodiversity.
A Global Network: Connect with peers from other cities and regions along migratory routes to exchange ideas and build partnerships.
Local Impact with Global Alignment: Be empowered to create city-level or community-based initiatives that support global biodiversity goals like the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
How it works
Format: Interactive online sessions, each lasting 90–120 minutes.
Participants: City officials, planners, biodiversity experts, community leaders, and civil society.
Speakers: Experts from science, academia, conservation groups, local governments, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).
Topics
Open webinars
LEARNING LAB 1
Pathways under pressure: Exploring urban challenges facing migratory species
Understanding ecological, infrastructural, and governance-related challenges and opportunities.
26 August 2025 | 9:00 CEST (morning session)
28 August 2025 | 16:00 CEST (afternoon session)
Closed webinars
Join Journeys for Life for exclusive access to the following topics
Making smart choices: Using tech and data for urban biodiversity planning
Using spatial data, mapping tools, and platforms to assess and plan for migratory species needs.
Eyes on the ground: The value of citizen science and local monitoring
Harnessing local knowledge and participation to monitor species and their urban habitats.
Partnering for impact: Engaging stakeholders and building trust
Working across government levels, with civil society, academia, and communities.
Governing with nature: Integrating migratory species into urban policy
Mainstreaming species conservation into planning, transport, green infrastructure, and local governance.
Help shape a sustainable future for migratory species and urban biodiversity
Join Journeys for Life
Cities and regions paving the way for migratory species
A message from ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center for World Migratory Bird Day