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. The population of Berlenga grenadier is increasing after a rat eradication program on the islands

“This endemic species is beginning to recover from a habitat free of invasive rodents and access a great diversity of habitats and food resources “

2.Building back Miami’s Biscayne Bay: Do natural solutions hold hope?

” A massive fish kill in August 2020 prompted communities across Miami to amp up their efforts to restore balance to the bay. The work of scientists, activists and city officials in particular has turned toward effectively undoing more than a century of damage to an ecosystem now in haphazard flux.”

3. Armed with data and smartphones, Amazon communities boost fight against deforestation

“The collaboration between Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS), the World Resources Institute (WRI), Indigenous leaders and independent researchers is the latest in a growing body of research that says recognizing and protecting Indigenous rights is the most effective way to preserve natural rainforests.”

4. The beavers returning to the desert

“Beavers are best known for their skill at building dams in rivers, which create wetlands and standing ponds. These changes in the watershed contribute to a number of improvements in the environment, including better stream quality,  leading to healthier fish populations; carbon capture via the shallow ponds which hold back silt and sequester the gas; increasing resistance against wildfires; and providing a habitat for other animals.”

5. Europe has a new National Park

“The Sar Mountains will be Europe’s biggest national park, after North Macedonia decided to give this natural region the status of a national park. It is conserving over 62,000 ha of forest and mountain habitat for the critically endangered Balkan Lynx and other wildlife! “

6. 16 baby bison found in Banff as reintroduced herd continues growth spurt

“Over the last two years, 32 new calves have been born: 16 so far this year, and 16 last year.”

7.World’s Largest Seagrass Project Proves “You Can Actually Restore the Oceans”

“Over the last 20 years, supported by an army of volunteers, the project team has sown nearly 75 million seeds. Around 9,000 acres of coastal bays are now blanketed with eelgrass, which has improved water quality, increased marine biodiversity and helped mitigate climate change by capturing and storing carbon.”

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