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. Mature trees can ‘learn’ to raise CO2 absorption, study finds in potential boost for climate change

“Previously, it had been thought that mature forests – those that have ceased growing vertically – could be stuck in a carbon absorption cycle, unable to change their rate of photosynthesis, but this study has shown that old trees can indeed learn new tricks.”

2. $3 billion wetland conservation project launched for birds, nature & people

 “BirdLife announced an ambitious new collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership to protect wetlands along one of the world’s major bird migration routes.”

3. Number of Yunnan golden hair monkeys rises

“Thanks to the joint efforts of the government, researchers and local villagers, the number of Yunnan golden hair monkeys has risen from no more than 1,500 to over 3,300.”

4. Meet two women leading the fight to save great apes and monkeys. 

“Together, Lina and Dororthy represent a new generation of women leading the charge to protect the continent’s iconic great apes and monkeys.“

5. A Proactive way to save the New Zealand Blue Whales

“Scientists of the Oregon State University developed a model that can help to save the New Zealand blue whales in a proactive way. They developed a model that can forecast the species’ presence up to 3 weeks in advance.”

6. As the Elwha rushes back to life, hope for river restoration nationwide

“Ten years ago, demolition began at Elwha Dam on Washington’s Elwha River, in what remains the biggest dam removal and river restoration in history. Since then this beautiful aquamarine river has rebounded in remarkable ways. Now flowing freely, the Elwha River once again supports salmon runs along its entire length and a rejuvenated web of life, from bears to eagles to orcas.”

7. COP15: biodiversity summit in China ends with UN hailing ‘renewed optimism’

“Stand-out moments were a pledge by the 195 participating countries to reverse loss of animal and plant species by 2030 and a 1.5 billion yuan (US$230 million) donation by China to a biodiversity fund established during the conference.”

Have a story to share for our weekly round-up? Use #ConservationOptimism on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

We are a global community dedicated to sharing stories and resources to empower people from all backgrounds to make a positive impact for wildlife and nature.