7 stories of optimism this week (8.01.24-14.01.24)

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.

(Featured image credit: USFWS Pacific Southwest)

1. Chile approves new 73,500-hectare marine protected area

Last year, the Chilean government announced “the Pisagua Sea Multi-Use Coastal Marine Protected Area (MPA)” to safeguard biodiversity while promoting “responsible, sustainable” fishing by locals. The area is a vital reproduction area for fish, mammals, and birds, from sea lions to the endangered Humboldt penguin.

2. Endangered orange-bellied parrots return to Tasmania

“… 81 orange-bellied parrots have returned to Melaleuca in Tasmania’s remote south-west from the mainland to breed, the largest number seen in 15 years.” With only 20 birds returning from migration just 5 years ago, “It is a turning point for the critically endangered species.”

3. Social enterprise in Britain to provide marine conservation jobs in deprived coastal communities

“The Sea Ranger Service, which launches today in the UK, trains young people from predominately deprived coastal regions to become ocean conservationists, while paying them a salary. […] Young Britons aged 18-29 are being invited to apply to take part in the UK programme.”

4. Communities and wildlife thrive at Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda

In the video from the African Wildlife Foundation, see the success of a symbiotic coexistence between the wildlife within one of Uganda’s smallest National Parks and local communities surrounding it.

5. Rare leopard-spotted fish rediscovered in Turkey

“A team of ichthyologists in Türkiye (Turkey) has rediscovered hope in the shape of a carp-like, spotted fish — the leopard barbel — in the Turkish section of the Tigris River. The species, which was last scientifically documented in 2011, is the second species on Re:Wild and SHOAL’s most wanted lost fishes list to be rediscovered. ”

6. UK farmers holding off floods through reforestation and rewilding

“The streams, or becks, that run through James Robinson’s Lake District farm used to be cleaned out regularly – with vegetation yanked out and riverbeds dredged, or even completely filled in. […] Since leaving the sides of the banks to grow, he has started to see forest regeneration, which helps nature as well as averting floods.”