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. British Columbia acquires land for 16 provincial parks, 2 new protected areas
“The largest parcel of land aquired this year is located in Haida Gwaii. Approximately 123 hectares of land were added to Naikoon Park, which features wetlands, bogs, sand dunes, temperate rainforest ecosystems and roughly 100 kilometres of beach coastline.”
This is great news to end the week. Land for 16 provincial parks and two protected areas was acquired in 2020, ranging from hiking plains in the Interior to scenic islands along the coast. #ConservationOptimism https://t.co/GDpAlB2daj
— National Environmental Treasure (@Our_Safety_NET) January 15, 2021
2. Whitley Awards winners share what went right in 2020
“As we begin January and another lockdown, our winners’ achievements make for an inspiring reflection on what went right last year.”
Craving some #optimism as we start 2021 in #lockdown 3.0? Here's what went right in #conservation during 2020. Inspiring work led by @WhitleyAwards winners: local leaders making a difference to wildlife & people https://t.co/BLDD6c7tas #ConservationOptimism @mongabay @guardian
— Danni Parks (@Danni_Parks) January 15, 2021
3. A major national park expansion was announced in Gran Chaco, South America’s second-largest forest
“This year, a major national park in Argentina will expand its size by almost 50% – benefiting both wildlife and local livelihoods.”
Major national park expansion for South America's other big forest #conservationoptimism https://t.co/xtliR2mSop
— RareBirdAlertUK (@RareBirdAlertUK) January 15, 2021
4. The establishment of a second buffalo herd was celebrated in northern Mexico
“Things are looking up for the American bison in the north of Mexico: a second herd of the large mammals, also known as American buffalo, has been successfully reintroduced in Coahuila.”
5. Sumatran rhino conservation inspires a thriving creative economy
“Local communities in a Sumatran rhino stronghold are benefiting from a creative economy built up around the conservation of the critically endangered species.”
From sourcing food to selling rhino shaped carvings and themed batik, the local Lampung community has impressive buy-in into Sumatran rhino conservation in the Way Kambas National Park: “the survival of the rhinos is what we hope and sincerely pray for.” #conservationoptimism https://t.co/hqfdUq93iU
— siewlynwrites (@slwong_writes) January 15, 2021
6. Pāteke ducklings are getting ready to be released in Christchurch, New Zealand
“We’re part of a dedicated breed-for-release programme with our partners @docgovtnz Pāteke Recovery Group and The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, to boost the wild population of these dabbling ducks that number around 2,000-2,500 individuals.”
7. A plan to halt the forest’s decline in the Congo Basin is bearing fruit
“Two years on, early signs suggest that community ownership could become a powerful tool in halting the decline of the Congo Basin rainforest, while alleviating poverty in one of the world’s poorest regions.”
Forest conservation is at a critical juncture, says @anaosunao of @RFUK.
— Synchronicity Earth (@SynchEarth) January 12, 2021
"Community forestry is now being considered as a mainstream model for forest management."@ptr_yeung on community conservation in the Congo Basin: https://t.co/SV6RwvXw2U #ConservationOptimism
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