Wondering what went right this week in the conservation world? We’ve got you covered with our Conservation Optimism Round-Up! Each week we are collating stories of optimism from around the globe so that you never miss your dose of Monday Motivation.

1. Amazon initiative pays farmers and ranchers to keep the forest standing

“The Conserv initiative, created by nonprofit organizations in Brazil and the U.S., is paying farmers and ranchers in the Amazon to preserve more native vegetation on their land than required by law.”

2. Montenegro is set to declare their very first Marine Protected Area

“A public debate is underway on the Draft Decision on the Proclamation of the Platamuni Protected Area, as well as the related Protection Study, which was announced by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism for December 17.”

3. The Key’s matchstick grasshopper, a ‘lost’ species, has now been found in New South Wales, Australia

“Finding the species is only the first step – our mission now is to find out as much as we can about this little grasshopper, starting with comprehensive surveys to figure out where it still exists, how much suitable habitat is left, and what management actions are needed to secure these remaining populations.”

4. The 2020 Whitley Award winners have been announced

“Thousands of people tuned in from around the world this week to celebrate the 2020 Whitley Award winners.”

5. 2020 Annual Griffon Vulture Census in Sardinia showed a gradual increase of individuals

“Since 2017, the Life Under Griffon Wings Project’s team and volunteers carried out regular censuses to estimate the Griffon Vulture population in Sardinia and evaluate the success of the restocking and other conservation efforts carried out within the project.”

6. Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia recently received unexpected visitors in the form of two elephants

“Last seen in the park in 2009, the presence of elephants once again highlights the connectivity between Africa’s wild landscapes.”

7. Denmark announced a transformative biodiversity package

“New agreement secures DKK 888 million in 2021-2024 to improve biodiversity in Denmark. The agreement is a historic boost to nature, which will mean more nature national parks and many thousands of hectares of untouched forest.”

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