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.

1. Plastic cutlery and polystyrene cups to be banned in England from October

” It is estimated 2.7billion items of single-use cutlery are used in England every year, but only 10% are recycled.  ”

2. Diversity returns to Lakeland stream after restoration puts its bends back

” After months of hard work extracting spoil using diggers to reshape and create new channels and restore a Lakeland stream to its natural state, the rewards for Lee Schofield were almost instant. “

3. Mākolelau Acquisition Provides Additional Watershed Protection on Moloka‘i

” In an effort to protect native forests, watersheds, and reefs in southeast Moloka‘i, TNC Hawai’i and Palmyra, in partnership with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), purchased five parcels of land in the Mākolelau area in September, dedicating the land for conservation and restoration. This is the first land deal TNC has made in Hawai’i in 10 years.”

4. New national monument proposed south of Joshua Tree National Park in the USA

” The area is home to desert tortoise, bighorn sheep and chuckwalla and offers important recreation space for people in nearby communities. ”

5. Birds in Bangladesh find a new lease of life in community-run sanctuaries

” There are around 100 community-based bird sanctuaries across Bangladesh, built through the initiative of local bird lovers, and backed by local authorities and NGOs. The Bangladesh Forest Department has so far demarcated 24 wildlife sanctuaries catering to different types of wildlife species, from mammals and reptiles, to amphibians and birds. “

6. No Rhinos Poached In Assam In 2022: How A Team With 22 Officials Achieved This Amazing Feat

” Assam recorded zero poaching of endangered rhinos, known for their horns that fetch big money because of their supposed medicinal value, for the first time in nearly 45 years, HT reported. As many as 191 rhinos were poached in Assam between 2000 and 2021. In 2013 and 2014, 27 rhino deaths each were reported, and in 2020 and 2021, two rhinos each were killed. Before 2022, no poaching of rhinos was last reported in 1977. “

7. Strong marine protected areas credited with manta ray surge in Indonesia

” Manta ray populations are thriving in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago, a new population assessment shows, highlighting the importance of marine protected areas to the species’ conservation. ”

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