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

(Image Credit: Christopher Michel from Flickr)

1. New protected areas for nature in Queensland, Australia

” The Miles Government has officially established Queensland’s two newest national parks as well as the state’s second special wildlife reserve and a new conservation park. Around 10,300 hectares of land has been officially dedicated as the new Redcliffe Tableland National Park, approximately 114 kilometres west of Mackay. The new national park contains endangered and of-concern regional ecosystems and is an important habitat for the endangered northern quoll, vulnerable squatter pigeon and other woodland species. “

2. New nature corridor scheme aims to reconnect ancient woodlands and boost biodiversity in Sussex, UK

” Covering a 314 sq km area, spanning from Lewes in the east to Storrington in the west, the project aims to restore ancient woodlands (woods that have existed since 1600). Ancient woodlands are the richest and most complex habitats in the country. Once vast, they now cover just 2.5% of the UK and are home to more threatened species than any other.  ”

3. ‘Huge environmental win’: Australia to protect 52% of its oceans, more than any other country

”  The environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, has declared Australia will soon protect more ocean than any other country after the government finalises a more than 300,000 square kilometre expansion of a sub-Antarctic marine park.”

4.  Giant wild cattle extinct for 400 years to be reintroduced to Scotland

” The rewilding charity now aims to introduce a herd of up to 15 tauros from the Netherlands to its 4,000-hectare Dundreggan estate near Loch Ness in 2026, in a scientific research project to boost biodiversity and create opportunities for people, including education and eco-tourism.”

5. As Malawi government struggles to protect a forest, communities show the way

” In Malawi’s Zomba Forest Reserve, a community that once destroyed the forest has become its custodian, protecting a source of streams, which provide water for them to irrigate crops. “

6. ‘It’s hugely moving’: sea turtle nests in Greece reach record numbers

” After nearly a quarter of a century observing one of the world’s most famous sea turtle nesting grounds, Charikleia Minotou is convinced of one thing: nature, she says, has a way of “sending messages”.

Along the sandy shores of Sekania, on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, what she has seen both this year and last, has been beyond her wildest dreams. The beach, long described as the Mediterranean’s greatest “maternity ward” for the Caretta caretta loggerhead sea turtle, has become host to not only record numbers of nests, but record numbers of surviving hatchlings as the species makes an extraordinary resurgence. “

7. N.Y. Fights Invasives, Beacon Adds Trees, Reforestation Helps Cool the East in the USA

” Fighting against climate change is critical to our survival, and to keep it up, celebrating wins along the way means everything. That’s why we’re sharing some of the best recent regional moves on the global-warming front, starting with this first installment. ”

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