Strategic areas for shorebird conservation in coastal Brazil

Abstract

The diversity of shorebirds is largely represented by species associated with wetlands and other aquatic habitats, many of which are also migratory and directly dependent on the Coastal Zone. Shorebirds are often concentrated in coastal environments in Brazil, roosting and foraging during the migration cycle, or for the purpose of reproduction, as is the case for certain resident species. Socio-economic development activities in coastal areas present multiple threats to shorebirds, resulting in habitat degradation and contributing to the sharp population declines observed in many species. Different international and national planning efforts have sought to include specific actions for shorebird conservation. The National Action Plan (PAN - Plano de Ação Nacional) for conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in Brazil identified 43 strategic areas for implementing priority actions by the year 2024, marking the final period of the plan's second iteration. The current work proposes that these strategic areas for shorebird conservation be specially considered in Brazil's National Coastal Management Plan and the relevant Integrated Management Plans. We present a history of the PAN and the supporting criteria used in identifying strategic areas for shorebird conservation in Brazil. Generalized descriptions of the principal conservation areas, contextualizing them according to location and main threats, are also presented. We anticipate that this synthesis will facilitate the integration of different environmental planning instruments and public policy measures, bringing greater focus to shorebird conservation in the coastal zone by highlighting the confluence and pertinence among these plans. Finally, we recommend a set of initiatives that would result in gains not only for shorebirds, but also be of benefit to society, both relying on the ecosystem services of a well-managed network of environmentally protected areas.