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. Scientists report ‘heartening’ 30% reduction in plastic pollution on Australia’s coast

“The amount of plastic pollution on Australia’s coast has decreased by up to 30% on average as a result of work by local governments to reduce litter, according to research by Australia’s science agency.”

2. ‘Fantastic giant tortoise’ species thought extinct for 100 years found alive

“A rare Galápagos species, the “fantastic giant tortoise”, long thought extinct, has been officially identified for the first time in more than a century in what scientists called a “big deal” for the famed islands’ embattled biodiversity.”

3. Good news: Greater one-horned rhino population is on the way up

” There are now a total of 4,014 greater one-horned rhinos in the wild, split between India and Nepal. Assam, the Indian province that hosts 70% of the species’ population, just finished its biannual rhino survey and counted 274 more rhinos than the last survey. ”

4. How Brazil is working to save the rare lion tamarins of the Atlantic Forest

” There are four species of lion tamarin (Leontopithecus spp.) in Brazil, but the golden lion tamarin (L. rosalia) was the first to be described and has enjoyed the most fame. Golden lion tamarin conservation efforts have been successful, growing the population from a one-time low of 200 animals to more than 2,000 today. “

5. ‘Saiga population is growing in Kazakhstan’ show results from the latest aerial surveys

” According to the latest ACBK census, the saiga population there has grown by almost 40% and now stands at 1,318,000.”

6. Two decades after it disappeared in nature, the stunning blue Spix’s macaw will be reintroduced to its forest home

“Now, conservationists are attempting to undo that fate. On 11 June, more than a quarter-century after the female flew into oblivion, they plan to release eight Spix’s macaws from captivity into the wild. Twelve more are supposed to follow at the end of the year and still more in the years to come.“

7. Learn how a women-led initiative in Indonesia helped save the Clungup Mangrove from overfishing & illegal logging

” The Clungup Mangrove Project in Indonesia has engaged over 5000 women, restored over 131 hectares of forest and championed women’s rights in the conservation sector”

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