7 stories of optimism this week (28.01.24-05.02.24)

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: Sam McMillan/Flick)

1. Pench Tiger Reserve Becomes India’s First Dark Sky Park

The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has become India’s first Dark Sky park and is the fifth in Asia. The park earned the title for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution, making the facility ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.

2. Cambodia sea turtle nests spark hope amid coastal development & species decline

” Conservationists in Cambodia have found nine sea turtle nests on a remote island off the country’s southwest coast, sparking hopes for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas). It’s the first time sea turtle nests have been spotted in the country in a decade of species decline. ”

3. Seven new marine protected areas have been designated in Spain

” This designation will increase Spain’s marine protected areas from 12% to 21% and move it closer to the target of protecting 30% of Spanish waters by 2030. ”

4. How the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics are driving the city’s green revolution

” Next year’s Paris Olympics aim to be most sustainable ever. But can the plans to be pro-pedestrian, pro-bike, pro-tree and anti-car succeed? “

5. Monterey Bay Aquarium study shows sea otters helped prevent widespread California kelp forest declines over the past century

“After near-extinction, growth of the southern sea otter population helped kelp forests expand by increasing resilience to environmental stressors, including extreme ocean warming”

6. India snow leopards: First-ever survey puts population at 718

” India is home to 718 snow leopards, according to the first-ever survey of the animal in the country, the federal environment ministry has said. This means that Indian snow leopards account for roughly 10-15% of the big cat’s global population. ”