The rise in eco-anxiety within society is also a call for change. A change from the “doom and gloom” around environmental issues to hope-based communications to signify the collective positive change we can all achieve.
In Southeast Asia particularly, this is a growing challenge. As one of the most diverse regions in the world, when environmental issues occur the impact on wildlife, nature, and people is significant. This impact is often made worse by media reporting when the consequences of the environmental issues are further amplified.
Red leaf monkey in the Danum Valley rainforest, Sabah, Borneo. Credit: Jeremy Bezanger
Despite the roadblocks that can hinder some of Southeast Asia’s environmental challenges, hope is not lost.
Conservation Optimism brings inspiration and empowerment to making a positive difference for nature. By finding the right balance of optimism and pragmatism, Conservation Optimism believes that empowering everyone to make a difference for nature while also learning from the successes and failures within the conservation sector is key to securing our planet’s future.
This shift in focus from problems to solutions is empowering people to act and in turn, be optimistic about our future. And it is with this mindset that the Conservation Optimism Southeast Asian Awards was born.
Announcing the Conservation Optimism Southeast Asia Awards
These awards will enable conservationists to further support each other, promote, and spread #ConservationOptimism messages through digital media, and cultivate a community of conservationists via online engagement, virtual training, and regional awards competition.
These awards are open to individuals over 18 years of age who are current residents of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, or Vietnam.
Applications are open until 29 May 2022. For more details on the awards click here or contact us at earthoptimistic@gmail.com
Conservation Optimism Southeast Asia Awards
Join us in celebrating the positive differences being made all over Southeast Asia for nature, for people, and our collective future!
