7 stories of optimism this week (6.11.23-12.11.23)

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. Celebrating the efforts of indigenous peoples to protect the American Bison for #NationalBisonDay

In the featured article, learn more about how the National Wildlife Federation are partnering up with indigenous tribes in the US to restore the American Bison to tribal communities. Through land restoration, community revitalization, and youth education, their goal is to return the wild Bison to tribal lands as well as promote economic and environmental justice for Native American communities.

2. New fishing practices in California protect marine life

A new type of fishing gear in California is bringing high-quality swordfish to markets and restaurants in the Monterey Bay Area, with the added bonus of decreasing unintended catch. The previously used drift gill-net used massive nets pulled across the surface water at night and resulted in a high amount of bycatch. The newly-authorized deep set buoy method promises minimal bycatch as well as fresher, healthier swordfish.

3. Welcoming the Red Panda Network’s new ‘Forest Guardians’

From time to time, a red panda will wander out of its forest home into populated areas of Nepal, which can be incredibly dangerous for them. The ‘Forest Guardians’ are trained as part of the Red Panda Network’s sustainable livelihood program to rescue and return wild animals — not just red pandas — to their natural habitats. This week, the organization is welcoming 24 new Forest Guardians to their team of amazing wildlife rescuers.

4. Program for bird-safe buildings expand in North Carolina, US

“The night sky looks darker–and the future looks brighter–for birds flying through Raleigh, North Carolina. Starting this fall, Kane Realty Corporation, one of Raleigh’s biggest building managers, has committed to participating in the [Audubon Society’s] Lights Out Wake initiative.” During the spring and fall migration seasons, the corporation will be turning off unnecessary lights in their buildings and asking tenants to do the same.

5. Improving livelihoods and mangroves in Indonesia

Now that the Global Mangrove Alliance has received their funding from winning the Food Planet prize, the organization’s Indonesian chapter “will implement its first collaborative project for mangrove conservation and improved food security for communities.” Their plan not only seeks to increase mangrove canopy across five districts in the country, but also to boost income from mangrove-related livelihoods for local communities.

6. Australia’s Running River Rainbowfish saved from extinction

“A bold operation to rescue a tiny, endangered fish species in North Queensland has been declared a success, with populations now thriving in creeks at Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC)’s Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary (Gugu Badhun country). Researchers released over 4,000 rainbowfish into Deception Creek and Puzzle Creek in a last-ditch attempt to save the species, which was at risk of being hybridised out of existence.”

7. Protecting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas through tourism

Learn more about how the African Wildlife Foundation’s successful conservation-based tourism program in Rwanda, which is restoring the Volcanoes National Park and its mountain gorillas while also empowering local communities with new jobs and sustainable livelihoods!

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