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. (Featured Image: Asiatic Lion taken by Gaurika Wijeratne from Flickr)

1. Finland leads Europe in river restoration

” More than 500 riverine obstacles were removed or bypassed. Of these, 138 were located in Finland. France came in second, with 128 obstacles removed. Altogether European rivers are fragmented by more than 1.2 million barriers, including dams, weirs and culverts, the consortium said.”

2. Nonprofit restores prairie, bison grazing at Illinois’ Nachusa Grasslands in the United States of America

” At the Nachusa Grasslands, there are more than 4,000 acres of restored tallgrass prairie — and one herd of bison. “Grazing is something, especially from bison, that’s been absent from this state of Illinois since the 1870s,” Bach said. But in the 2014, the Nature Conservancy — a global environmental nonprofit — brought bison back. “The bison at Nachusa Grasslands have access to 1500 acres,” said Bach. “

3. Nkanyiso: the heartwarming journey of a rewilded Cheetah and her cubs

“The Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa has embarked on a heartwarming journey of hope and resilience with the release of Nkanyiso, a once-captive cheetah, and her four cubs into the wild at the Nyosi Wildlife Reserve. This pivotal moment not only highlights the success of rewilding efforts but also represents a broader movement to protect vulnerable species in Southern Africa. “

4. Harpy eagle confirmed in Mexico for first time in over a decade

” Sightings of a young harpy eagle in southern Mexico’s Lacandon Jungle in 2023 have now been verified, marking the first time in more than a decade that South America’s largest bird of prey has been spotted in the country.”

Sightings of a young harpy eagle in southern Mexico’s Lacandon Jungle in 2023 have now been verified, marking the first time in more than a decade that South America’s largest bird of prey has been spotted in the country, contributor Astrid Arellano reported for Mongabay Latam.

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— Mongabay (@mongabay.com) May 24, 2025 at 4:10 PM

5. In Honduras, a monumental win for communities and the ocean

” On March 28, Santa Rosa de Aguán, with approval from the Institute for Forestry Conservation (ICF), signed the municipal ordinance for the Santa Rosa de Aguán Site of Importance for Wildlife — a new marine protected area co-managed by local communities. Upon formal creation, the new protected area, Honduras’s fourth community-managed fishing area in Colón, will complete the departmental network and represent a major step forward in participatory marine governance. “

Meanwhile in Honduras 🇭🇳... #OceanOptimism @rare.org @oceandreher.bsky.social rare.org/stories-arti...

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— Blue Action Fund (@blueactionfund.org) May 18, 2025 at 11:24 AM

6. Lion population in Gujarat, India goes up from 674 to 891 in 5 years; footprint expands too

“Gujarat sees a rise in Asiatic lion population. The count reaches 891, up from 674 in 2020. Lions now roam across 11 districts of Saurashtra. They are spotted beyond Gir National Park. The census reveals 196 males and 330 females. It also counts 140 sub-adults and 225 cubs. The forest department used direct beat verification for the census. “

Great news! Asiatic lion numbers have soared from 674 to 891 in just five years – a powerful testament to successful conservation efforts! 🎉 #AsiaticLions #WildlifeConservation #GoodNews #ConservationSuccess

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— PeppyPanda 🐼 - Uplifting and good news (@peppypanda.com) May 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM

7. IUCN has recommended five extraordinary new natural sites for World Heritage Status

” From the tropical karst landscapes home to many unique and endemic species, including the world’s largest spider, to one of the most important sites for nesting sea turtles and migratory birds in Africa. Learn more about these amazing places here: https://lnkd.in/eZPqhS_w The final decision will be taken by the World Heritage Committee at its 47th Session in Paris, this July.  “

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