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: Hawaiian Crow by US Fish and Wildlife Service from Flickr – https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwspacific/5385278585)

1. Diverse forests and forest rewilding offer resilience against climate change

” When it comes to reforestation, planting a diversity of tree species could have a plethora of positive effects on forest health and resilience, climate mitigation and biodiversity. That’s based on research from the world’s largest tree-planting experiment, in China, and one of the world’s longest-running tropical forest planting experiments, in Panama.”

2. Electric vehicles are helping Nepal clean up its deadly air

” Nepal now imports more electric passenger vehicles than gas-powered ones, a huge leap from just a few years ago, thanks to tax breaks, cheap electricity, and new financing options. “

3. This rare, intelligent species of crow is taking flight in Hawaii again

” For the first time in years, a rare bird is flying free in the forests of Hawaii. The ʻalalā is a species of crow found only on the Hawaiian Islands, one that holds an important place in Native Hawaiian culture. When it was clear decades ago that the chatty, intelligent birds were heading toward extinction, they were brought into captivity as a last resort. They went extinct in the wild in 2002. The species has held on thanks to a breeding program, but returning them to the wild has been challenging. Now, five young ʻalalā have been released in a remote forest of Maui, an environment free of hawks. A team of biologists and wildlife officials is monitoring them with the hope that this time, the crows endure and thrive. “

The ʻalalā went extinct in the wild in 2002. A previous attempt to reintroduce them on Hawaii's Big Island failed due to hawk predation. Now, 5 young ʻalalā have been released in a hawk-free forest on Maui, and the species is living in the wild once more. #ConservationOptimism #EarthOptimism

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— Society for Conservation Biology Oceania (@scboceania.org) April 21, 2025 at 12:01 AM

4. Endangered sea turtle populations show signs of recovery in more than half the world, survey finds

” “Many of the turtle populations have come back, though some haven’t,” said Duke ecologist Stuart Pimm, who was not involved with the research. “Overall, the sea turtle story is one of the real conservation success stories.” The study looked at 48 populations of sea turtles around the world. Scientists measured the impacts of threats such as hunting, pollution, coastal development and climate change to the marine animals. In more than half of the areas studied, threats are declining overall, the study found. “

Waves of Hope from this past week: Global sea turtle populations are making a comeback! A new study shows over half of all species are rebounding thanks to decades of conservation work. Hope shines for the oceans’ gentle navigators. #OceanOptimism #WildlifeRecovery

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— Ocean Hoptimism (@oceanhoptimism.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 4:37 PM

5. Cook Islands’ atoll officially rat free

” The Cook Islands’ Palmerston Atoll (500 km away from Rarotonga) is officially rat free following a tremendous eradication effort by the local community, with support from agencies in Rarotonga and New Zealand.”

Following a tremendous eradication effort by the local community, The Cook Islands’ Palmerston Atoll was declared rat free in Dec 2024. Locals are already observing an increase in native seedlings, birds, lizards and crabs. #ConservationOptimism #EarthOptimism

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— Society for Conservation Biology Oceania (@scboceania.org) April 19, 2025 at 12:01 AM

6. How a remote diner in India is fueling a culinary and ecological revival

” Tucked away in the remote Chug Valley of Northeast India, Damu’s Heritage Dine is quietly leading a food revolution. Run by a group of Monpa women in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, this humble diner is bringing ancient mountain flavors back to life, one traditional dish at a time. On the menu are traditional Monpa recipes like millet momos and buckwheat thukpa, made from locally grown grains and wild forest ingredients. By sourcing ingredients from local farmers and the surrounding forests, the diner is encouraging a revival of sustainable farming practices and the preservation of forests. “

Damu’s Heritage Dine is quietly leading a food revolution. Their mission: bringing ancient mountain flavors back to life, one traditional dish at a time. Run by a group of Monpa women in Arunachal Pradesh, this diner is encouraging a revival of sustainable farming & the preservation of forests.

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— Mongabay (@mongabay.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 9:18 AM

7. Nepal announces its snow leopard population after first-of-its-kind assessment

” Nepal has released its first consolidated national estimate of snow leopards, placing the population at 397 individuals, after synthesizing multiple studies conducted between 2015 and 2024. Despite covering just 2% of global snow leopard habitat, Nepal hosts nearly 10% of the global population, making it the fourth largest population of the species. “

Following decades of speculation, skepticism and lack of consensus, Nepal’s government has announced the country’s first-ever consolidated national estimate of snow leopards: 397 individuals.

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— Mongabay (@mongabay.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 2:10 PM

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