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. Science and culture join forces to restore 120 miles of Hawaiian reefs

” A new program in Hawai‘i, known as Ākoʻakoʻa, will focus on restoring 193 kilometers (120 miles) of coral reefs off the west of the Big Island, which have been in decline for the past 50 years. ”

2. Conservation leaders join forces on largest private grassland project in Canadian history

” Upon completion, this monumental undertaking will represent the largest private land conservation project achieved to date across the Canadian Prairies and the largest conservation agreement in Canadian history.”

3. Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizards Return to the Panoche Hills Plateau

” On May 17, 2023, five female and five male year-old blunt-nosed leopard lizards were transported from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo in large coolers to the Panoche Hills Plateau for release. ”

4. Success! Fin whaling in Iceland is suspended after officials say hunts are unlawful

” The Icelandic government has suspended all fin whaling, with immediate effect, until at least the end of August, on the grounds that it breaks Iceland’s own animal welfare laws. On top of this, no new licences have been issued for 2024 onwards. ”

5. ‘Extinct’ butterfly species reappears in UK

” The species, previously described as extinct in Britain for nearly 100 years, has suddenly appeared in countryside on the edge of London. Small numbers of black-veined whites have been spotted flying in fields and hedgerows in south-east London. “

6. Rain gardens filter out tire toxin lethal to salmon, B.C. study shows

” A first-of-its-kind experiment in a rain garden in Vancouver, B.C., has shown green infrastructure can remove more than 90% of a tire toxin highly lethal to salmon. “

7. Governments formally adopt High Seas Treaty, paving the way for greater ocean protection

” UN members today formally adopted a High Seas Treaty aimed at conserving marine life and restraining harmful activities across the two-thirds of the ocean that lie beyond national jurisdiction. The text was agreed last March following a marathon negotiating session, but additional time was needed for translation into UN languages. ”

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