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. New Caledonia expands strictly protected coverage of its swath of the Pacific
” New Caledonia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific, recently announced that it would highly protect 10% of its economic exclusive zone (EEZ). These new highly protected areas will be off-limits to industrial activities such as fishing, drilling and mining. “
Thanks to the #NewCaledonia government, a #MPA in the western #Pacific has been expanded to include an additional 38,000+ sq mi, providing an important cultural reserve for the #Kanak People and marine life!
— Global Conservation Solutions (@_GCS_) November 13, 2023
#conservationoptimism #LetNatureThrive https://t.co/K6dbAm3NLT
2. Promoting gender equality to protect black-necked cranes in China
Over the past 20 years, Guanghui has participated in rescue feeding operations for more than 90 black-necked cranes. Sometimes the cranes have rescued her too: one day she fainted as she struggled to rescue a black-necked crane frozen in the ice, only to be awakened by the cry of others nearby, allowing her to escape from the ice.
#ConservationOptimism story of commitment, empowerment & recovery, of species & sites, and of exceptional women who farm while caring for black-necked cranes, acting as their guardian, as part of an immense #migratory #flyway@RamsarConv @theGEF @BonnConvention @Decade2Restore https://t.co/T6yLczWmet
— Question Mark (@markday331) November 12, 2023
3. Papua New Guinea Triples Ocean Protection, Announcing Two New Marine Protected Areas
” In an incredible boon for the planet’s oceans, the government of Papua New Guinea today announced more than 1.5 million hectares (more than 16,000 km2) of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The new MPAs more than triple ocean protections in one of the most biodiversity-rich countries in the world, marking a major leap forward for the country and the planet on the road to achieving the global 30 by 30 target.”
A win for endangered sawfish, wedgefish and guitarfish thanks to Papua New Guinea’s 2 new Marine Protected Areas, plus many more wins for conservation and local community stewards #ConservationOptimism #MPA, #marine #sharksandrays #conservation https://t.co/yRe8AoFink
— siewlynwrites (@slwong_writes) November 13, 2023
4. Thanks to combined conservation efforts, a Global Declaration for River Dolphins has been signed by 11 out of 14 countries to protect the species from extinction.
The Declaration has 8 elements, including concrete aspects on threat reduction (reduce unsustainable fisheries, work to solve water quantity and quality issues), increasing protection (more and connected protected areas, with effective management), invest in awareness raising, working closely with the local communities and fundraising
Thanks to combined conservation efforts, a Global #Declaration for River #Dolphins has been signed by 11 out of 14 countries to protect the species from extinction! 🐬#SpeciesProtection #Amazon #biodiversity #conservationoptimism #LetNatureThrive https://t.co/yihVGHguNn
— Global Conservation Solutions (@_GCS_) November 12, 2023
5. The Reappearing Forests of West Bengal, India
The trees in this corner of India vanished decades ago, leaving heat waves and drought. What happened when they returned proves the healing power of reforestation.
Trees are back and incomes are up in West Bengal. My news to me good news for Nov 12. #EarthOptimism https://t.co/AwyyJ4XJou
— Dr. Nancy Knowlton (@SeaCitizens) November 13, 2023
6. Wild turkeys: A conservation success story
Decades after wild turkeys disappeared from Massacheusetts, MassWildlife reintroduced these iconic birds in the early 1970s.
Thanks to #reintroduction efforts, Wild #Turkey populations now thrive throughout the state of #Massachusetts, with approximately 35,000 individuals from releases of 560 turkeys between 1979-1996!#rewild #US #conservationoptimism #LetNatureThrive https://t.co/gAS6cy2DSO
— Global Conservation Solutions (@_GCS_) November 17, 2023
7. Portugal just ran on 100% renewables for six days in a row
For nearly a week, the country of 10 million met customer needs with wind, hydro and solar — a test run for operating the grid without fossil fuels.
100% #renewableenergy is possible NOW. Portugal just ran on 100% renewables for 6 straight days. It won't look the same in New England as it does in Portugal but with good energy policies we can do it too. #climateoptimism #actonclimate #vtpoli https://t.co/pVKIu9J0CO
— Renewable Energy VT (@RE_Vermont) November 16, 2023
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