Why does the survival of migratory birds matter for the future of ecosystems, climate resilience, and human wellbeing? Martin Harper, CEO of BirdLife International, reflects on the alarming findings of the State of the US Birds Report 2025: North America has lost three billion birds since 1970. Harper argues that reversing this decline requires not only conservation action, but also a much deeper public connection with nature.

Harper describes a simple but powerful pathway: connect → raise awareness → care → act. When people experience the beauty and importance of nature, they become more motivated to protect it—whether by restoring local habitats or influencing policies that safeguard biodiversity.

He also explores systems thinking through the lens of migratory flyways. Protecting the network of wetlands, mudflats, forests, and coastal habitats that birds depend on yields major co-benefits for humans: stronger food and water security, climate adaptation, and reduced disaster risk. BirdLife’s partnerships, including a commitment of up to $5 billion from the Asian Development Bank, are helping to restore these critical sites across the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, with similar models expanding globally.