Working Lands and Seas

In many Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) sites, productive landscapes like shrimp farms, salt farms, and cattle ranches serve as vital resources for both local communities and shorebirds. These working lands and seas not only provide livelihoods but also overlap with critical migratory routes, offering essential feeding, resting, and breeding habitats for thousands of shorebirds. About half of all WHSRN sites involve some form of natural resource use, making it clear that the protection of shorebirds cannot be separated from the sustainable management of these productive areas.

To effectively conserve shorebirds, it is essential to integrate good management practices in these working landscapes. Conservation efforts must collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance habitat quality and availability, while simultaneously supporting sustainable business practices. By doing so, we can create a balance between economic growth and biodiversity conservation, ensuring that these lands and seas continue to support both human communities and thriving shorebird populations.