On June 10th, the official launch of the Midcontinent Shorebird Conservation Initiative (MSCI) Strategic Framework marked a pivotal moment in the conservation of millions of shorebirds that depend on wetlands, grasslands, and coastlines across the central regions of North and South America.
The MSCI Strategic Framework, developed through a multi-year collaborative process involving over 250 organizations, institutions, and agencies, addresses urgent threats to shorebirds such as habitat loss due to incompatible land-use practices and the impacts of climate change across the Midcontinent migratory corridor. The framework sets shared conservation goals and strategies that reflect the priorities of diverse partners, including Indigenous communities, landowners, scientists, conservationists, and policymakers.
“We are connected beyond borders by shorebirds,” said Benoit Laliberté, Conservation Biologist at the Canadian Wildlife Service. “By conserving them and their habitats, we are preserving nature’s benefits for communities across vast landscapes, such as clean water, healthy soils, and our collective capacity to face climate change.”
The MSCI Strategic Framework was officially presented through a public webinar, which brought together experts from government, academia, science, and conservation to share their work and how it aligns with the various strategies within the framework. A total of 328 people registered for the event, coming from 25 countries across the globe. This strong participation highlights the widespread interest and collaboration in protecting shorebird species and their habitats.
The framework’s inclusive and participatory development process stands out as a cornerstone of the initiative. It was crafted through collaborative input, ensuring that all stakeholders had a voice in shaping the future of shorebird conservation across the Midcontinent flyway. The framework also includes indicators under each of the nine conservation strategies, allowing for detailed tracking and close monitoring of implementation progress.
The full MSCI Strategic Framework is available online at https://midamericasshorebirds.org, including downloadable materials, the complete conservation framework, and opportunities to get involved.
To watch the webinar online, visit Manomet’s Youtube channel
About the Midcontinent Shorebird Conservation Initiative (MSCI)
The MSCI is a hemispheric collaboration designed to strengthen shorebird conservation efforts along the Midcontinent migratory corridor. The Initiative aims to align stakeholders around a common vision, empower communities, and elevate the role of science and partnerships in conservation planning. Key components of the MSCI include:
- The Strategic Framework for collaborative action that will guide investments and partnerships.
- A Regional Threats Assessment that identifies priority challenges and opportunities.
- Practical tools and resources to support coordinated implementation at multiple scales.
The MSCI welcomes everyone—from conservation professionals to bird enthusiasts—to explore how they can contribute. Whether you are a farmer, student, or environmentally conscious individual, the MSCI offers ways to get involved.
The development of the Midcontinent Shorebird Conservation Initiative was led by Environment and Climate Change Canada, Manomet Conservation Sciences, and the Arctic Migratory Bird Initiative under Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Isadora Angarita-Martínez
Manomet Conservation Sciences
IAngarita@manomet.org
Instagram: @manometcenter @whsrn_rhrap
Cover Photo: Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Photo: Getty Images.
