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. The highest number of critically endangered Kangaroo Island Dunnarts has been detected in over two years

” Dunnarts have now been detected on every single monitoring site within WRR, indicating that their population is growing and confidently dispersing around the safe-haven. ”

2. After an absence of more than 300 years in the UK, Spoonbill populations are rebounding. 

” Our colony is very successful, it’s been in existence since 2010 and the success rate of youngsters each year has increased, that’s enabled them to spread to other places as well”

3. ‘Bizarre’ newly classified scorpionfly shines a light on Nepal’s insect diversity

” Researchers say the presence of scorpionflies, which are threatened by development, insecticides and disease, indicate a healthy environment — and could be a positive sign for the diversity of Nepal’s insect life.”

4. Three South American Countries are working to save one of the continent’s most important forests.

“Some 700,000 hectares of land have already been restored and the goal is to protect and revive 1 million hectares by 2030 and 15 million ha by 2050 – an area bigger than all of Nepal, Greece or Nicaragua. The UN has recognized the pact as one of its 10 inaugural World Restoration Flagships. The flagships, which are eligible to receive UN-backed promotion, advice or funding, showcase how environmental advocates are mending damaged landscapes under the umbrella of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.”

5. 16 protected and conserved areas in China, France, Mexico, Peru and Zambia achieve IUCN Green List Status.

” The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has admitted 16 new sites in China, France, Mexico, Peru and Zambia to the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, the global standard recognising well governed and effectively managed sites on the planet. Two existing Green List sites in China saw their status renewed. The IUCN Green List now counts 77 sites in 18 countries around the world. “

6. New marine and terrestrial protected area is designated in Tierra del Fuego in Argentina

” On Tuesday, December 6, 2022, the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands passed a law creating the Peninsula Mitre Natural Protected Area. The newly protected area covers a terrestrial and marine surface of approximately 10,000 square kilometres covering the eastern end of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and the marine area around Isla de los Estados, adjacent islands and islets, up to four nautical miles offshore. “

7. Sports organisations commit to safeguard nature under new framework

” More than twenty sports organisations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a founding partner, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, signed the first-ever Sports for Nature Framework today. Signatories pledge to adhere to four key principles that will safeguard nature and contribute to the new global goals for biodiversity, which governments are expected to agree to later this week at the Convention on Biological Diversity 15th Conference of the Parties meeting (COP15) in Montreal.”

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