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: Brett from Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/tancread/83505064)

1. 90-Year Study Reveals Rich Shark and Ray Populations in Greek Waters

” In a groundbreaking study spanning nine decades, environmental organisation iSea has revealed a comprehensive overview of sharks and rays inhabiting Greek seas. The extensive survey uncovered 4,540 records across 33 shark species, 29 species of rays and skates, and one chimaera, showcasing the rich biodiversity of these waters. “

2. The tribal leader dedicating his life to protect Philippine’s critically-endangered national bird

” Tribal leader Datu Julito Ahao has dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to protecting Philippine eagles, a critically endangered national bird, in the wild. Considered an “unsung hero” by conservationists, he has ensured the survival of 16 juvenile eagles in the wild and founded the Bantay Bukid forest guard program to conserve the raptor’s habitat around Mount Apo, the country’s tallest peak and frontier of the bird’s conservation. ”

3. Nature’s Engineers: Milestone for Beaver Restoration Will Improve California’s Watersheds

“California’s waterways are about to get a helping hand from an unexpected ally: the North American beaver. With the recent passing of Assembly Bill (AB) 2196, authored by Assemblymember Damon Connolly and supported by CalTrout, a comprehensive program for beaver restoration throughout California’s watersheds is set to begin. This innovative approach leverages nature-based solutions to promote fish and freshwater resilience, offering a beacon of hope for our aquatic ecosystems.  “

4. Azores create largest marine protected area in North Atlantic

” The regional assembly of Portugal’s Azores Islands approved the creation of the largest protected marine area in the North Atlantic to reach international conservation goals well ahead of time.”

5. In Kenya, a river restoration initiative pays for itself, and then some

” The Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund was established in 2015, drawing money from corporations and government to pay for watershed restoration and reforestation of this vital resource. The fund has enjoyed some success, but obstacles include building up expert knowledge of nature-based solutions by officials in the water sector “

6. COP16 – Vital funds unlocked for Colombia’s Seaflower Reserve

” One of the earliest ocean-focused announcements to come out of COP16 this week, the launch of the Seaflower Fund marks the first long-term financial commitment to protect the Colombian Caribbean region, a reserve rich in marine biodiversity.”

7. CBD COP16: The largest integovernmental biodiversity meeting in 2 years has ended with several important agreement reached but with further work to do. 

” The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) was suspended in the morning of Nov. 2 but not before countries agreed on an expanded role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in saving biodiversity and a groundbreaking agreement on the operationalization of a new global mechanism to share benefits from digital genetic information.  https://www.cbd.int/article/agreement-reached-cop-16 ”

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