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. Green light for return of red-footed tortoises to Argentina

“40 red-footed tortoises are being released into El Impenetrable national park in Argentina in the coming weeks after being rescued from the illegal pet trade in Paraguay and transported to Argentina.”

2. Rewilding the red centre: bilbies released into NT predator-free sanctuary in bid to save threatened species

” Earlier this week, 32 threatened greater bilbies moved in and 65 burrowing bettongs will join them before the weekend is out. The new arrivals are part of an ambitious plan to “rewild” 9,450 hectares of central Australia with species that once thrived there before European settlement and the resultant feral pest invasion.”

3. World’s biggest plant discovered off Australian coast

” The largest known plant on Earth – a seagrass roughly three times the size of Manhattan – has been discovered off the coast of Australia. Using genetic testing, scientists have determined a large underwater meadow in Western Australia is in fact one plant. It is believed to have spread from a single seed over at least 4,500 years. ”

4. Tiny Pacific island nation declares bold plan to protect 100% of its ocean

“The Pacific island state of Niue has announced that it will protect 100% of the ocean in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which spans 317,500 sq km (122,000 sq miles), roughly the area of Vietnam. “

5. Dartford Warbler numbers at record high on RSPB reserves in the UK

” According to the RSPB Ecology Report, 183 pairs of the lowland heath specialist were counted in 2021, marking a notable comeback. Dwindling down to just a handful of pairs in Dorset during a population crash in the 1960s, Dartford Warbler was at real risk of extirpation from the UK. However, thanks to concerted conservation efforts to create and restore heathland, and a series of milder winters, the bird has fared well since then. “

6. Meet Toupou: Guardian of Guinea’s last forest elephants

“The fauna has diminished considerably since I was a boy, as have the vegetation cover and forests. But we still have hope that Guinea’s wildlife – and Ziama’s elephant population in particular – can recover as a result of our work. The challenge is for Ziama to become a benchmark site in terms of biodiversity conservation and the recovery of elephants and for us to extend programme activities to other sites sheltering fragile areas and endangered species in Guinea.“

7. Ten ways to confront the climate crisis without losing hope

“It’s easy to despair at the climate crisis, or to decide it’s already too late – but it’s not. Here’s how to keep the fight alive “

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