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.

(Image Credit: Caroline Legg from Flickr)

1. Fungi could be given same status as flora and fauna under conservation plan

” A new era of mycelial conservation could begin this month when the UK and Chile propose that fungi should be placed alongside animals and plants as a separate realm for environmental protection. Mushrooms, mould, mildew, yeast and lichen would all receive elevated status under the plan, which will be submitted to the UN convention on biological diversity (CBD) during the Cop16 meeting in Cali, Colombia, which opens on 21 October. “

2. Pine martens return to Dartmoor National Park, UK after 150-year absence

” Fifteen pine martens are darting through the woods of Dartmoor for the first time in 150 years after the rare but recovering species was reintroduced into south-west England. ”

3. Small snails make big comeback in French Polynesia

”  On the tropical island of Moorea in French Polynesia, a species of snail about the size of a Skittle candy is cause for celebration. On September 2024, researchers found adult Partula tohiveana snails that were born in the wild. This is the first time in decades these tiny mollusks, measuring just 1-2 centimeters (less than an inch) in length, have reproduced naturally in their native habitat. This finding marks a significant victory in a 40-year conservation effort to save these small but ecologically important creatures. “

4. Renewables on Track to Supply Nearly Half of Global Power by 2030

” Between now and 2030, the world will add more than 5,500 gigawatts of renewable capacity — what amounts to the total current capacity of China, India, the U.S., and the EU combined, according to the report. Solar will account for most of the growth.”

5. CBD COP16 opened this week in Cali, Colombia

” Every two years, leaders from around the world gather to discuss the state of life on Earth, negotiating agreements to preserve biodiversity and stop the destruction of nature. This week, representatives of 196 countries are gathering in Cali, Colombia, for the 16th UN Conference of the Parties summit (Cop16).”

6. Stocking of lake sturgeon marks another milestone for the recovery of Cleveland’s (Ohio, USA) Cuyahoga River

” Ohio and federal wildlife officials and local agencies gathered at three locations on Oct. 2 to release 60 juvenile lake sturgeons into the Cuyahoga River. “

7. Saving Wintergreen, A Confusing Wee Flower in the UK

” Plantlife led the first ever translocation of the rare One-flowered Wintergreen in Scotland – 9 months later it’s thriving at the new sites! ”

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