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: Unsplash – Sean P)

1. 50 sessions, 92 speakers, 320 attendees 

” The third iteration of the Conservation Optimism Summit was an absolute success. The three day hybrid summit kicked off on 16th September, 2024 at Keble College, Oxford University with an audience composed of conservationists, artists, researchers, students and among others. Thank you to all our volunteers, friends and partners who joined us in making this summit a success. We hope to meet again at the next one. 2026 maybe?

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2. UK’s first ever bison bridges under construction in Kent woodland

“The hefty grazers – which can weigh up to one tonne – will walk beneath the bridges, with footpaths routed over the top keeping visitors separate while also providing them with a good vantage point to watch the burgeoning bison.”

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3. Rewilding success for long-lost bird population

“The red-billed chough disappeared from the Kent countryside more than 200 years ago due to habitat loss and persecution. In 2023, the first cohort of eight birds were returned to the area by conservation charities Wildwood Trust, Kent Wildlife Trust and Cornwall’s Paradise Park. Now a further 11 birds have been raised in captivity and released near Dover.”

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4. Why Conservation Needs Optimism: Interview with Conservation Optimism Director Jon Taylor

“For a long time, conservation organizations have used “doom and gloom” to activate people to change and to some extent have been successful, but it can also cause people to turn away and tune out with feelings of helplessness or apathy. And for those of us working, it can simply be draining and just downright depressing to see these images and read these stories over and over again!”

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5. Humber Forest plants a quarter of a million trees to support communities and local environment

“The project provides grants to cover up to 100 per cent funding for planting as well as at least five years maintenance for farmers, landowners, businesses and communities to plant hedgerows or trees on their land. These trees can play a vital role in reducing soil erosion and flooding, improving air quality, creating habitats for wildlife, and improving community spaces.”

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6. Black rhino raised in Yorkshire has calf in Rwanda

“Olmoti, an eastern black rhinoceros, arrived at Flamingo Land in 2015 with her mother Samira. In 2019, Olmoti was transferred to Akagera National Park in Central Africa as part of a relationship between Rwanda and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Drew Bantlin, a regional conservation manager for African Parks, confirmed Olmoti recently had her calf, adding: “The team has seen Olmoti and the calf twice this week and report they continue to do well.”

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7. Coast 4C, is a 2024 Earthshot Prize Finalist

“Coast 4C, one of our ConservationNow members, connects investment in coastal agriculture with conservation through regenerative seaweed farming. This approach brings benefits to areas critical to Earthshot’s mission: communities, conservation, commerce and climate.”

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