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. Ocean treaty: Historic agreement reached after decade of talks

” The High Seas Treaty aims to place 30% of the seas into protected areas by 2030, to safeguard and recuperate marine nature. The agreement was reached on Saturday evening, after 38 hours of talks, at UN headquarters in New York. ”

2. British dog duo ready to start new role protecting Critically Endangered pangolins in Thailand – with conservation charity ZSL

” Once up to speed, Buster and Bess will work with expert handlers from the local community – sniffing out live pangolins being smuggled through airports, ports and roads, so that they can be rescued and released back into the wild. “

3. Wild Blue-Throated Macaws Slowly Returning From The Brink Of Extinction

” Thanks to their combined conservation efforts, the total wild population of blue-throated macaws is estimated to number somewhere between 350–400 individuals today. This is roughly the same number of individuals as those living in captivity.”

4. For the first time since reintroduction into the wild, the population of Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico has surpassed 200

” In 2022, we recorded more packs, more breeding pairs, and a growing occupied range, proving we are on the path to recovery. These achievements are a testament to partner-driven conservation in the west. ”

5. Found: Mysterious songbird rediscovered in Madagascar after eluding scientists for 24 years

” An expedition in the remote rainforests of northeast Madagascar has recorded Dusky Tetraka, an endemic to the country, for the first time since 1999. It was one of the top 10 most wanted species by the Search for Lost Birds collaboration, and its rediscovery marks an important step to helping protect it.”

6. River Ouse may become first in England to gain legal rights

” Lewes District Council passed a rights of river motion acknowledging the rights of nature as a way of improving the health of local rivers by giving them similar protection to people, and agreed there was “a case to be made for considering our interactions with our local waterways”. “

7. Government plans to protect marine area the size of Germany around Macquarie Island

” The remote and rugged island, halfway between the main island of Tasmania and Antarctica, hosts up to 100,000 seals and 4 million penguins, including the royal penguin, which is found nowhere else in the world. ”

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