ecosystems Archives - Conservation Optimism

On the ground in Ngorongoro: Protecting wildlife through experience

Green rolling hills under endless skies punctuated by gentle cumulus clouds. I'll never forget the first time I stood at the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. Witnessing the vast sunken landscape below - I couldn't believe how dramatic and different it was from anywhere else I had ever seen. I first travelled to Ngorongoro Crater 11 years ago - on a group safari tour during my first visit to Tanzania. I loved the initial impact it had on me – the sweeping views of the caldera and the great abundance and diversity of animals within the crater: a whole world created by a volcanic eruption that happened millions of years ago. It's very humbling to see the Earth’s power, and how life can spring from ashes.

Kate K. F.2025-10-29T16:45:27+00:00October 29th, 2025|

A new chapter at sea: Sea Ranger Service launches new vessel to support youth-focused ocean conservation

The Sea Ranger Service The Sea Ranger Service is [...]

Sea Ranger Service2025-08-27T12:23:25+00:00August 27th, 2025|

The Matchbox Mountain: Can Portugal Save Its Burning Lungs?

Night had begun to fall when we found the small dirt track. We’d already traveled for over two days to get here. The Serra da Estrela, Portugal, is a place like no other. On surface level you see deep forests, steep gorges and sunsets that remind you of the African plains. But as you look a little closer you begin to see a lie: Invasive eucalyptus. Where Eucalyptus stops, seas of maritime pine – thin, tall, closely packed – flood to the plains below, another alien from post-war industrialisation. What is initially a beautiful sight is in fact a matchbox mountain, just waiting for a spark.

Ed Smit2023-08-31T09:44:47+00:00August 31st, 2023|

Chaos in the Burrow

A stampede started as soon as our Bolero reached the [...]

Manya Singh2023-04-25T16:20:57+00:00April 20th, 2023|

The Trillion Trees Initiative

Discover how a global reforestation initiative is growing trees, protecting forests, and supporting local communities all over the world.

Jack Cole2023-04-14T07:17:12+00:00April 14th, 2023|

Reconnecting with nature through foraging

Foraging is also about reconnecting with indigenous knowledge systems, rebuilding kinship with our land, and each other, as well as finding joy in being outside.

Cindy Muthike2023-01-05T09:42:54+00:00January 5th, 2023|

Up in the clouds: how youth-led campaigns are saving the Chocó cloud forest

Read about the inspiring work of Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, and their fundraising efforts to save the Chocó cloud forest.

Callie Broaddus2022-08-25T11:49:54+00:00August 25th, 2022|

Reimagining Landscapes – A Culture of Change?

Karen Lloyd has lived on the edge of the British Lake District for most of her life. Today she is trying to understand more about the impacts of climate events and the loss of biodiversity in this unique landscape.

Karen Lloyd2022-05-24T09:10:47+00:00May 24th, 2022|

The Tall Journey of Giraffe Conservation in Northwest Namibia

In Namibia, the world's tallest land mammal makes a stand against a stark landscape. Here is another conservation success story from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation as they tackle the tall case of giraffe conservation in Africa's drylands.

Jordy Michelmore2022-01-06T19:47:58+00:00January 4th, 2022|

Embracing empathy to protect the Great Barrier Reef

Every possible solution for saving the Great Barrier Reef is reliant on genuine collaboration and engagement. In other words, empathy and connection to others.

Yolanda Waters2022-01-06T20:19:56+00:00October 26th, 2021|

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