R2R is a collaborative network that mobilizes partners across the Western Hemisphere to recover rapidly declining birds. We lead a species-focused approach that connects transdisciplinary science, people, and targeted conservation. Our recovery framework guides the development of integrated conservation strategies that address biological and human dimensions challenges across a species’ full annual cycle.
The Challenge: Bird Declines and the Conservation Gap
Birds are a vital part of our ecosystems and economies, contributing to pest control, pollination, seed dispersal, and a multibillion-dollar recreation industry. Yet, bird populations in the Western Hemisphere are experiencing steep declines, as documented in multiple reports and rigorous peer-reviewed papers. Despite decades of research, habitat protection, and monitoring, many species continue on rapid downward trajectories. For most declining bird species, we still lack a clear understanding of the specific factors limiting populations, and the targeted, actionable conservation strategies needed to recover them. Landscape- and threat-based approaches alone may not be enough for species undergoing rapid declines or facing acute, species-specific challenges. Within well-protected landscapes, a population may continue to decline because of a limiting factor operating at a particular place or stage of its annual cycle.
Opportunity: Species-Focused Recovery
A species-focused approach complements broader conservation by asking which species are declining most rapidly, what is limiting their populations, where and when those limiting factors operate, and what targeted interventions could change their trajectory. Our species recovery framework helps Species Working Groups connect biological and social science, identify limiting factors, and translate that knowledge into targeted conservation actions that can operate within, and strengthen, larger landscape, flyway, and ecosystem conservation efforts. R2R addresses this critical need through a coordinated, innovative, and transdisciplinary approach.
Current Geographic Scope
R2R currently focuses on recovering a set of bird species that have been identified as high conservation concern in the Partners in Flight (PIF) Avian Conservation Assessment Database (ACAD) and are experiencing significant losses across their full range. Most of these “Tipping Point” Species breed in the U.S. and Canada, and many spend significant portions of their annual cycle in Latin America and the Caribbean. Recovering these shared species requires a process that is coproduced through all stages of planning, research, and implementation of conservation actions across the Western Hemisphere, bringing together partners to identify and address the specific causes of decline wherever they occur. R2R’s framework can apply to the recovery of declining bird species worldwide, and we welcome collaboration with partners working on any species that needs conservation attention.
¹ Transdisciplinary means an approach or research method that crosses and goes beyond traditional academic boundaries to solve complex real-world problems by uniting multiple fields and non-academic participants.
² A Tipping Point species refers to a bird species that has lost 50% or more of its population since 1970 and is projected to lose another 50% or more within the next 50 years if current trends continue. They are described in tiers at https://r2rbirds.org/tipping-point-species.
Mission
To recover rapidly declining birds by advancing a species-specific approach that connects transdisciplinary science, people, and targeted conservation action across the hemisphere.
Vision
A future where rapidly declining bird species recover and thrive.
Theory of Change
If R2R both brings together and works alongside bird conservation partners to understand the biological and social drivers of species decline, build inclusive international partnerships, co-produce recovery strategies, secure the resources required to advance conservation efforts, and share learning through the network, then we can accelerate effective conservation action and catalyze sustained species recovery with lasting benefits for birds, people, and biodiversity.
Organizational Model and Partnerships
R2R fills a specific niche in the bird conservation community to inspire and facilitate Tipping Point Species recovery. R2R is fostering a network of Species Working Groups and building strong relationships with partners across federal, state, and local governments, academic institutions, and conservation organizations across the Western Hemisphere. R2R is led by a nimble group of Staff and Core Team with a Leadership Council and subcommittees. Georgetown University’s Earth Commons serves as R2R’s institutional home.
Objectives
This strategic plan is organized around five objectives. Specific metrics will be developed annually.
Objective 1: Advance the Biological and Social Science Needed for Recovery
Generate, synthesize, connect, and apply the biological and social science needed to understand why species are declining and what interventions can successfully recover them.
Objective 2: Support Species Working Groups and Partners
Empower a growing network of Species Working Groups and partners with the capacity, resources, and connections to recover Tipping Point Species.
Objective 3: Co-Develop and Refine a Practical Species Recovery Framework and Tools
Together with Species Working Groups and other partners in conservation, co-develop a tested, flexible, and widely usable approach to species recovery that is applicable to the needs of Species Working Groups.
Objective 4: Connect Species Recovery to the Broader Conservation System
Build awareness of R2R’s species recovery process through targeted communication and partnerships.
Objective 5: Build a Sustainable Organization
Adapt the staffing, advisory bodies, funding, governance, partnerships, systems, and standing needed for R2R to sustain high-quality support for species recovery over the long term.
Photo credits:
Top: Mary Thurmond, Macaulay Library
Bottom: Mark Rauzon, Macaulay Library