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. USC Researchers Claim “Ocean-Safe Solution” Could Replace Traditional Plastics And Save Millions Of Marine Species From Extinction

“In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the University of Southern California have engineered a novel biodegradable plastic alternative from seashell minerals and citric acid polymers, offering a promising solution to the pervasive issue of ocean plastic pollution.”

2. Insect boom for UK after warmest, sunniest spring on record

“Certain insects – including ladybirds, butterflies and wasps – are thriving after the warmest and sunniest spring on record across the UK.”

3. Saratoga eyesore becomes home to bees, birds and butterflies

” The story begins at a weedy, gravelly plot at one of the city’s busiest, most complex intersections, where South Broadway, Ballston Avenue, Circular and West Circular streets meet. Last year, the vacant lot was reborn into a pollinator garden, a small public park where people meander and the birds and bees gather nectar from its now numerous flowering beds.”

4. Ravine woodlands restored with 84,000 trees

“Tens of thousands of trees have been planted to help restore the Peak District’s “critically damaged” woodland ravines. Martin Evans, woodland restoration manager for Natural England, said the scheme “shows what can be achieved when we work with nature rather than against it”.”

5. Canada Is Home to the World’s Largest Solar Panel Mural: “A Bold Vision for the Future”

“The apartment building pictured above might stop you in your tracks for its colorful tiles and striking artwork, but what you won’t pick up on at a glance is its status as the Guinness World Record holder for the world’s largest solar panel mural. “

6. Fifty water voles released to boost Surrey numbers

“A colony of 50 water voles has been released into the wild in Surrey, where the species has been locally extinct for 20 years. The voles, an endangered species, were bred in captivity at the Wildwood Trust in Kent, which specialises in breeding the mammals.”

7. 3D-Printed Drone Supports Wildlife Protection & Anti-Poaching Efforts in Africa

“HP Additive Manufacturing (AM) partnered with the Eye Above project to develop an innovative drone designed to monitor wildlife populations in Africa, detect animal traps, and help combat illegal poaching.”

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