Conservation News
News, views and stories from the front lines of conservation
Oct 11, 2024
BREAKING CONSERVATION NEWS
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Meet a scientist protecting 'overlooked' ecosystems
‘It’s easy to take water for granted’: How one self-professed pessimist keeps fighting for the future of freshwater ecosystems.
October 7, 2024
Meet the startup turning the tide on plastic pollution
Does the ocean hold the key to a replacement for plastic? Sway, a California-based startup backed by Conservation International, is using seaweed to replace the plastic in packaging.
October 1, 2024
News spotlight: Sharks are deserting coral reefs. Here's why that matters
Rising ocean temperatures are disrupting marine ecosystems, a new study finds — but recent Conservation International projects offer hope for sharks.
September 24, 2024
Study: Protecting the ocean helps fight malnutrition
A new study challenges the idea that marine protected areas come at the expense of locals’ access to fish — instead, finding that fish catches in coral reefs could increase by up to 20 percent.
September 17, 2024
‘Intense’ drought, fires pummel Amazon
Parts of the Amazon rainforest are suffering through the worst droughts ever recorded. As a result major rivers are dwindling and wildfires are burning out of control. Deforestation is behind it.
September 11, 2024
The giving trees: In Kenya, forests keep communities from the brink
In Kenya's Chyulu Hills, Conservation International is helping communities turn nature into a lifeline for education, health and well-being.
September 9, 2024
How a fearsome predator helped bring this community back to life
Shrimp powered a small Mexican community’s economy for years — until deforestation nearly wiped them out. To bring them back, the community enlisted an unexpected, and misunderstood, ally.
September 5, 2024
News spotlight: How many fish in the sea? Less than we thought
There are plenty of fish in the sea, so the old saying goes. But that’s not as true as it used to be: Climate change, pollution and overfishing have slashed global fish populations. Now a new study suggests the problem may be worse than expected.
August 29, 2024
Long silenced, an African park roars back to life
Years of civil war left Mozambique’s national parks in ruins. But in one park, a decade of conservation has brought the savanna roaring back to life. Now, Conservation International and Peace Parks Foundation are replicating this success on a massive scale.
August 20, 2024
For climate-fighting farms, squeeze in some trees: study
Farmland worldwide could stash away as much planet-warming carbon as the global emissions of all cars combined — if it integrates more trees, our new study finds.
August 15, 2024
Surf spots are climate hotspots, study finds
Surf breaks worldwide are loved for their natural beauty and the thrill of riding that next big swell. Now, a first of its kind study finds that they are also an ally in the fight against climate change.
August 13, 2024
World Elephant Day: 3 stories to catch up on
Elephants have a profound impact on people and nature. Known as “ecosystem engineers,” they spread seeds that restore forests. Yet, poaching, habitat destruction and climate change have pushed these giants to the brink.
August 12, 2024
Why rare species thrive on Indigenous lands
From the savannas of Africa to remote Pacific islands, Indigenous Peoples and local communities are helping to conserve some of the most remarkable species on Earth.
August 9, 2024
Study: As global temperatures rise, climate ‘tipping points’ loom
Earth is teetering perilously close to climate “tipping points.” Now, scientists have found that every fraction of a degree of warming matters when it comes to whether or not these tipping points occur.
August 6, 2024
New study links birds' diets to forest health
A new study finds that birds’ feeding preferences are highly connected to environmental stressors — and changes in their behavior could have major impacts on forests and other critical ecosystems.
July 30, 2024
In Ecuador, a ‘milestone’ effort to protect mangroves — and people
Once underappreciated, mangroves are having a moment. Now, a landmark $36.4 million project aims to give Ecuador’s degraded mangroves a new lease on life.
July 26, 2024
One small country, one giant leap for nature
Guyana is making some giant steps for conservation with plans to double its protected areas within the next 18 months.
July 26, 2024
Study: Reforestation is cheaper than previously thought
Restoring forests is critical for stopping climate change — but it costs money, and there’s more than one way to do it. So, what's the best way? A new study has answers.
July 24, 2024
Meet an organic food startup with Indigenous roots
Pantry staples don’t get a lot of love. But for Sarela Herrada, they’re at the heart of a mission to support farming communities and make healthier, ethically-sourced foods more widely available.
July 16, 2024
Landmark debt swap to protect Indonesia's coral reefs
The government of Indonesia announced this week a deal to redirect more than US$ 35 million it owes to the United States into the conservation of coral reefs.
July 10, 2024
In the fight to save a unique desert, tradition meets innovation
In the semi-arid shrubland of Namaqualand, dry conditions have long been a cycle of life. But climate change is now slowly transforming this once-thriving biodiversity hotspot, making life challenging for wildlife and the shepherds who have farmed here for centuries.
July 9, 2024
As planet warms, pathogens on the march
The CDC recently issued a warning to expect an increased risk of dengue — part of a worrying trend on a warming planet, where disease vectors like mosquitoes and ticks thrive.
June 28, 2024
To coexist with giants, meet people's needs first: expert
Human and elephant conflict is on the rise, largely because of elephants' diminishing habitat. Experts say that protecting the species requires understanding and supporting rural communities that share spaces with them.
June 27, 2024
Can an ancient tradition save an African grassland?
Africa’s pastoralists have long raised their livestock to mimic the rhythms of nature. Reviving their way of life is key to restoring grasslands.
June 25, 2024
Where ‘ghost gear’ haunts the seas, divers unite to clean up
Nearly a third of fishing lines are lost or discarded at sea. This so-called “ghost gear” — along with nets and traps — is deadly for marine animals. One man is on a mission to clean it up, net by net.
June 20, 2024
Heat waves put spotlight on overlooked climate ally
Brutal heat waves swept across the Southern Hemisphere earlier this year. Now it’s the Northern Hemisphere’s turn. Yet humanity continues to actively destroy one of its best allies against the heat: forests.
June 17, 2024
Experts: To protect high seas, take heed of climate change
A landmark treaty to protect the world’s oceans could go into effect soon — but experts argue it must consider climate change if it is going to succeed.
June 13, 2024
On World Oceans Day, charting a new course for our seas
The ocean feeds us, regulates our climate and sustains economies. Yet numerous threats are devastating the health of marine ecosystems. In honor of World Oceans Day, we take a dive into efforts that are charting anew course for our oceans.
June 6, 2024
Study: Mining could disrupt manta ‘superhighway’
There’s only one place on Earth where reef manta rays are truly thriving. A new study finds that this manta haven is even more special — and threatened — than previously thought.
May 30, 2024
With new protections, a critical fishery gets new lease on life
Fishing is a way of life in Peru. But one of it's most important fisheries is not immune from human-made pressures like overfishing and mining. Now, a new protected area is offering a new lease on life.
May 28, 2024
The ocean provides — and needs to be protected. Can humanity do both?
The ocean powers food systems and economies. It also badly needs to be protected from overexploitation. Humanity can do both — with some science, money and humility, experts say.
May 23, 2024
For fashion industry, a new model for working with Indigenous Peoples
The fashion industry’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples has historically been fraught — but a new initiative aims to reset it.
May 21, 2024
News spotlight: Nature’s decline is driving a surge in diseases
Our health is personal, but health risks are not. Around the world, entire populations — both human and wildlife — are facing new health challenges, all driven by the same culprit: environmental degradation.
May 17, 2024
News spotlight: Conservation works, offers hope for biodiversity
A sweeping analysis of more than 600 conservation efforts — some dating back a century — found that they’re making a big difference for nature.
May 7, 2024
As climate crisis accelerates, who bears the brunt?
Around the world, more than 3 billion people have been affected by extreme weather over the past 20 years — but those impacts are very unevenly distributed, according to a new Conservation International study.
May 3, 2024
New study a ‘wake-up call’ for marine protections
Countries around the world are trying to bring fish populations back from the brink after decades of overfishing. But some marine protected areas are falling short with a certain type of fish. Here’s why.
April 25, 2024
‘Changing Planet’ finds hope for climate-weary coral reefs
In the third year of the sweeping global PBS series “Changing Planet,” Conservation International CEO M. Sanjayan explores how climate change is affecting some of Earth’s most vulnerable ecosystems — and the groundbreaking science that’s offering hope.
April 22, 2024
New film drops beat for ‘climate heroes’
A new documentary takes viewers on a trip around the world to explore one of nature’s most powerful — yet overlooked — climate allies: blue carbon.
April 18, 2024
Amid a deforestation crisis, two countries plant seeds of hope
Earth lost 3.7 million hectares (9.2 million acres) of tropical forest last year, an area nearly the size of the Netherlands. Yet amid these sobering findings, there are signs of hope.
April 8, 2024
New research: Critical 'irrecoverable carbon' at risk
Earth has lost 2 billion metric tons of “irrecoverable carbon” since 2018 — an amount greater than the United States’ annual greenhouse gas emissions — underscoring the need to halt deforestation and expand protected areas.
March 28, 2024
Report: One-fifth of Mekong River fish face extinction
Unsustainable development has pushed one-fifth of the fish in the Mekong River — the lifeblood of Southeast Asia — to near extinction, according to a new report.
March 21, 2024
Biologist’s keen eye spots (another) new species in the Pacific
With the dazzling diversity of species that live on a coral reef, dwarfgobies are easy to overlook. While the may be easy to overlook — they are the most diverse of all fish genera.
March 20, 2024
For these women, sustainable business is buzzing
Around the world, women beekeepers are helping to protect bees by sharing their knowledge and traditions. This International Women’s Day, we highlight the work of three beekeepers who live in very different geographies, but are united in their passion for the pollinators.
March 8, 2024
Deep-sea expedition may have discovered over 100 new species in the Pacific
A recent deep-sea expedition off the coasts of Chile and Peru is revealing the secrets of a vast underwater mountain system — and could help make the case for future ocean protections there.
March 4, 2024
Planetary scientist wins ‘Nobel for the environment’
A pioneer in the field of sustainability has earned a major honor. Johan Rockström is this year’s winner of the Tyler Prize, recognized for his work developing the planetary boundaries framework, which gauges Earth’s ability to sustain humanity.
February 29, 2024
Study: To restore grasslands, it’s time to get wild
It’s easy to understand why ambitious reforestation campaigns capture public attention. Earth’s forests are absolutely vital to staving off a climate crisis and protecting nature. But what about grasslands?
February 23, 2024
‘Be confident that you are enough’: Women in STEM speak up
For International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate some of the women powering our research and fieldwork. They share their passion for protecting nature — and advice for the next generation.
February 9, 2024
In Bolivia, a 'conservation mosaic’ gets another (big) piece
In the remote lowland forests of northwestern Bolivia, a small community has taken a big step to protect one of the Amazon’s most biodiverse regions.
February 5, 2024
Study: As climate crisis escalates, so too could human-elephant clashes
When humans and elephants come into contact, the results can be deadly — and if climate change and habitat loss continue, a new study finds, things could get even worse.
February 2, 2024
Study: How nature can fight climate change — and how it can't
Not long ago, the idea that nature could be humanity's ally against climate change was not widely known. In recent years that idea has increasingly moved into the mainstream. Perhaps unsurprisingly, that recognition has led to some confusion.
January 23, 2024
‘Climate-smart’ farming boosts forests, food security in Madagascar
In Madagascar, a sustainable agriculture program aims to help farmers adapt to the increasing droughts and intense cyclones of a warming planet. According to a new report, those efforts are paying off.
January 17, 2024
Study: Shark-finning bans fall short, but bright spots offer hope
Despite evidence that efforts to ban shark finning in recent years isn't reducing shark mortality, new research shows there is reason to have hope.
January 12, 2024
Meet the startup using magnets to keep sharks at bay
Despite having far more to fear from humans, sharks are often vilified in popular culture. To protect beachgoers, governments often resort to ineffective strategies — at great cost to marine life. One company aims to change that.
January 8, 2024
2023 in review: Partnerships and communities drive nature conservation
Conservation News is reflecting on some of our most noteworthy stories about how nature and human well-being are intertwined — and what it takes to protect them.
December 19, 2023
2023 in review: In hottest year on record, nature is a key climate ally
Conservation News is reflecting on some of our most noteworthy stories about how nature helps combat climate change — from fascinating fungal networks that capture staggering amounts of carbon, to new research into the health of forests.
December 18, 2023
2023 in review: Amid growing ocean threats, a surge of innovative solutions
Conservation News is reflecting on some of our most noteworthy ocean stories of the year — from an innovative approach to protecting Pacific waters, to the launch of a new program to reintroduce threatened sharks back into the wild.
December 14, 2023
To save the axolotl, Mexico looks to the past
A Mexico City lake and its canals are the only place on Earth where the axolotl lives. But over the years, it has been drained, polluted and crowded with predatory invasive species — severely endangering the salamander. A new effort aims to change that.
December 6, 2023
In new TED talk, doctor prescribes conservation
While it may seem unusual for a medical doctor to work for a conservation nonprofit, it's centered on a powerful premise: that human health and the protection of nature are inextricably linked.
December 5, 2023
With new discovery, island nation turns page on a painful legacy
Scientists recently discovered a new species of gecko. As remarkable as that discovery was, it signified something more: a fresh approach to conservation in a nation historically marked by foreign intrusion and exploitation.
December 4, 2023
Pacific island enacts bold new ocean protections
New Caledonia recently took a big step for ocean conservation by banning all industrial activities — such as fishing, mining and oil drilling — in 10 percent of its waters. The new protections safeguard marine habitats, as well as some of the healthiest coral reefs on Earth.
November 29, 2023
‘Tis the season for gifts you can feel good about giving
Finding the perfect gift is hard. But don't stress — we’ve got your back. Conservation International’s 2023 gift guide is full of meaningful and unique items that give back to nature.
November 28, 2023
Can tree farms save a forest? Brazil is about to find out
In Brazil's s Mato Grosso do Sul, native species are reclaiming thousands of acres once heavily grazed by cattle. A bold initiative aims to protect and restore nature to an area twice the size of Manhattan — and find new ways to pay for it.
November 20, 2023
It’s about TIME: Conservationist recognized as climate leader
TIME has named Conservation International CEO M. Sanjayan to its inaugural list of the 100 most influential people driving climate action in business.
November 16, 2023
From mountains to mangroves: One expert's journey into marine conservation
Growing up in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Jill Hamilton always felt connected to nature — and knew she would pursue a career to protect it. But time spent on the coast with family drew her from the mountains to the ocean.
November 1, 2023
In an undisturbed cave, expedition finds ‘microbats’ once thought lost
Pacific sheath-tailed bats are vanishing across Oceania. But recently, an expedition on one of Fiji’s least visited islands made a remarkable discovery: A cave containing thousands of Pacific sheath-tailed bats.
October 30, 2023
How one South American country became a lab for conservation
In 1987, Conservation International had a radical idea to reduce Bolivia's debt in exchange for nature conservation. Since then, the country has become a laboratory for the protection of nature, field-testing ideas that would spread around the world.
October 26, 2023
Can shrimp farming restore mangroves? This scientist is making it happen
Aquaculture — a fancy term for farming fish and other aquatic animals — has been criticized for years. But one scientist wants you to know that it could be essential to feeding the planet, fighting climate change, protecting marine life and supporting small farmers — if done right.
October 17, 2023
Meet the startup that's making seaweed more sustainable
In the past decade, seaweed production has boomed as researchers and investors eye its climate potential. Yet alongside seaweed’s promise, there are pitfalls. A company in the Philippines is working to change that.
October 11, 2023
Report: Companies that buy carbon credits lead on climate action
Companies that buy carbon credits are doing more to tackle their climate footprints than companies that don’t, a new report finds.
October 10, 2023
‘Small rock’ making big ocean conservation impact
The small South Pacific island nation of Niue recently launched a first-of-its-kind sustainable funding initiative that enables anyone to sponsor a square kilometer of its ocean waters — a sanctuary for humpback whales, sea snakes and gray reef sharks.
September 25, 2023
New conservation effort seeks $1 billion for Eastern Himalayas
A new initiative in the Eastern Himalayas aims to raise US$1 billion to accelerate — and scale up — local conservation work, providing resources to plant 1 billion trees, and protect and restore 1 million hectares by 2030.
September 20, 2023
World falling well short of climate goals, new report finds
The results are in on the world’s first climate change progress report: Drastic improvement is needed — and fast.
September 9, 2023
U.S., Peru trade debt for nature
The government of Peru signed a deal to redirect more than US$ 20 million it owes to the United States into the conservation of some of the most biodiverse areas on Earth.
September 7, 2023
More than monuments: Study shows World Heritage sites are biodiversity havens
For more than 50 years, UNESCO has protected cultural and natural wonders as World Heritage sites due to their “outstanding universal value.” Turns out, there's another big reason these marvels are irreplaceable: their biodiversity.
August 31, 2023
Natural wonders: Destinations that inspired our experts
Conservation International is powered by 1,500 people in more than 30 countries — their interests, like their hometowns, are all over the map. This month, our experts share some of the places that inspired them this summer.
August 30, 2023
Ecuadorean voters reject oil drilling in Amazon
Following a decade-long fight led by Indigenous activists and environment leaders, Ecuadorians voted decisively to end oil drilling in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth — a move heralded by supporters as “historic.”
August 23, 2023
What drives deforestation — and how can we stop it?
As dangerous heatwaves shatter records around the world, a new study provides the most comprehensive review yet of how to stop deforestation — a major cause of climate-warming greenhouse gases, second only to fossil fuel emissions.
August 16, 2023
Tachymenoides harrisonfordi: A new snake species named after Harrison Ford
A new species of snake has been named after Harrison Ford in honor of his decades-long environmental advocacy. Unlike the actor's famously ophidiophobic character Indiana Jones, Ford reportedly likes snakes — and found a quick kinship with this one.
August 15, 2023
As coffee demand grows, farmers work to deliver a sustainable brew
Every day, billions of cups of coffee are consumed around the world — and experts say demand could triple over the next 30 years. So, how will all those lattes, espressos and cold brews affect the environment?
August 14, 2023
At Amazon summit, a milestone on the road to protecting the rainforest
Eight Amazonian nations have agreed to create an alliance to protect the world’s largest rainforest, following decades of rising deforestation and warnings of a “tipping point” that could alter the ecosystem — and Earth’s climate.
August 9, 2023
3 ways Indigenous knowledge protects nature
On International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Conservation News is highlighting three stories about Indigenous peoples on the frontlines of protecting the nature they rely on.
August 9, 2023
‘Disaster’ deferred: Deep-sea mining talks postponed
After intense negotiations, discussions on commercial deep-sea mining have been postponed — at least for now. Environmentalists view the decision as a hopeful step toward protecting fragile marine ecosystems.
August 1, 2023
3 things our experts loved in July
Conservation International is powered by 1,500 people in more than 30 countries — their interests, like their hometowns, are all over the map. In this monthly feature, our experts share some of their favorite things.
July 31, 2023
Countries agreed to protect 30% of the planet. Now what?
More than six months ago, nearly every country signed on to the most ambitious plan ever to protect nature — a sweeping framework that aims to conserve 30 percent of the planet's land and waters by 2030. It’s an unprecedented agreement. So, what’s next?
July 26, 2023
How an extraordinary new effort is giving sharks ‘a fighting chance’
Earlier this year, three zebra shark pups became the first endangered sharks ever to be bred in captivity for the purpose of being released into the wild. They're part of a bold plan to bring sharks back from the brink of extinction.
July 24, 2023
New study reveals seaweed’s hidden climate benefits
A new study found that seaweed forests may play a bigger role in fighting climate change than previously thought — absorbing as much climate-warming carbon as the Amazon rainforest. But not all seaweed forests are created equal.
July 18, 2023
News spotlight: Europe passes bill to fix nature and climate
The European Parliament agreed on legally binding targets to protect and restore nature in the European Union — a significant step but short of the “30 by 30” goal that most conservationists and scientists have called for to stem the tide of species extinctions and climate change.
July 13, 2023
When COVID halted wildlife tourism in Kenya, one area weathered the storm
Every year, Kenya’s Maasai Mara region attracts droves of tourists, eager for a glimpse of one of the largest movement of animals on Earth. Until 2020, when everything changed. Yet, what began as a crisis presented new opportunities.
July 6, 2023
3 things our experts loved in June
Conservation International is powered by 1,500 people in more than 30 countries — their interests, like their hometowns, are all over the map. In this monthly feature, our experts share some of their favorite things.
June 29, 2023
Study: Protecting the ocean benefits people and nature
Across the globe, marine protected areas help struggling fish populations and ecosystems recover and flourish. But what impact do they have on the people living nearby? A new study finds big benefits for both biodiversity and coastal communities.
June 22, 2023
News spotlight: Just how big is the ocean plastic problem?
Every year, up to 10 million tons of plastic end up in the world’s oceans — an amount so large it’s hard to visualize. Two journalists from Al Jazeera found that if flattened, ocean plastic today would cover an area roughly the size of Jamaica.
June 21, 2023
Fungi: Our new climate allies?
Underneath the ground, intricate fungal networks are working together with plants to absorb huge amounts of carbon — equivalent to more than a third of the world's annual fossil fuel emissions, according to a new study.
June 13, 2023
Meet the South African startup putting cattle to work for conservation
Livestock herding and wildlife conservation are often perceived as conflicting pursuits, with the belief that one must come at the expense of the other. However, in South Africa, a fresh approach centered on Indigenous knowledge is challenging this perception.
June 12, 2023
On U.S. East Coast, smoky skies latest sign of a changing climate
This week, the East Coast of the United States is grappling with something that other places around the world are all too familiar with: wildfire smoke. But it may not stay a novelty for long, Americans should start expecting more of these episodes thanks to climate change.
June 8, 2023
Study: Camera traps key to closing biodiversity data gaps
As countries ramp up efforts to stem a wave of species extinctions amid a global biodiversity crisis, overcoming data gaps is critical to effective conservation.
June 7, 2023
Study: Protected forests are a climate powerhouse
Protected forests keep significantly more climate-warming carbon out of the atmosphere than unprotected forests, according to a new study. The research illustrates just how important protected areas are in the fight to curb climate change.
June 1, 2023
3 things our experts loved in May
Conservation International is powered by 1,500 people in more than 30 countries — their interests, like their hometowns, are all over the map. In this monthly feature, our experts share some of their favorite things.
May 31, 2023
News spotlight: How Indigenous communities brought a sacred caiman back from the brink
For years, two communities in southeast Colombia have worked to protect the black caiman — the largest predator in the Amazon River basin, which was hunted to near extinction in the area for its highly-prized skin.
May 26, 2023
When protecting nature helps build peace
As climate change accelerates, there's a growing sense of urgency to address how changes to our ecosystems can lead to conflict. For years, Conservation International has worked to bring environmental peacebuilding and conflict sensitivity to its work.
May 25, 2023