Conservation News
News, views and stories from the front lines of conservation
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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
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
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
News spotlight: Traditional mud buildings could keep a capital cool
In case you missed it: Mudslinging is on the rise in the Senegalese city of Dakar.
July 11, 2022
In warming world, viral spillovers are expected to increase: 3 stories you may have missed
In case you missed it: Climate breakdown may increase viral spillovers between animals, two baby mountain gorillas were born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a new species of frog was discovered in Australia.
May 9, 2022
Meet a scientist: the freshwater defender
Growing up in Kenya on the edge of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, Leonard Akwany always felt most at home in nature. Long days fishing and birding with friends forged a special connection to the lake, eventually leading to a career focused on protecting it.
February 10, 2022
Nature meets culture: an Indigenous climate warrior, Mother Nature’s silly side and more
It can be hard to connect with nature in our daily lives. But with a little help, you can find nature everywhere. With that in mind, here are a few shows, podcasts and more that can help bring nature to life for you, wherever you are.
December 10, 2021
3 myths about carbon offsets, busted
Forest carbon offsets can help reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions — but they remain contentious in the world of climate policy. Here are 3 myths about them, debunked.
November 3, 2021
Notes from the field: Protecting Panama’s waters, conserving Malagasy lemurs and more
Here are four recent conservation success stories you should know about.
July 15, 2021
Nature meets culture: A peacebuilding podcast, an African oasis and more
Shows, podcasts and more that can help bring nature to life for you, wherever you are.
June 17, 2021
New science: a path for protecting chimps and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
June 3, 2021
When COVID flattened tourism, carbon credits kept these African hills ‘green’
The pandemic cratered ecotourism in Africa last year, depriving local communities of life-sustaining revenues. However, the people of Chyulu Hills in southeast Kenya were able to tell a different story — and make a number of investments toward their futures. Here's how.
April 13, 2021
New NASA maps will help Liberia chart course for a sustainable future
In partnership with Conservation International and NASA, the government of Liberia recently mapped the country’s diverse ecosystems — from lush forests to coastal mangroves — and analyzed how they have changed over time.
March 17, 2021
Kenya’s wildlife tourism, a casualty of COVID, gets a lifeline
The loss of tourism revenue in the Maasai Mara could spell trouble for the very species that tourists come to see. Now, wildlife conservancies are getting a lifeline.
November 19, 2020
How are gender, environment linked? Start here
Here is a list of books, podcasts and more recommended by Conservation International staff that explores the link between gender and the environment.
November 5, 2020
Nature meets culture: Fungal fashion, two-wheeled tourism and more
Here are a few shows, podcasts and more that can help bring nature to life for you, wherever you are.
October 13, 2020
Poaching, deforestation reportedly on the rise since COVID-19 lockdowns
Poaching and deforestation in the tropics have increased since COVID-19 restrictions went into effect around the world, according to recent reports from Conservation International field offices.
April 30, 2020
Credit where it’s due: Forest-carbon programs a vital tool to fix climate
Conservation International's finance expert extolls the importance of forest carbon credits to tackle the climate crisis.
February 22, 2020
My ‘aha!’ moment: In Madagascar, a fisheries discussion without the fishers
How working with octopus fishers in Madagascar led Kame Westerman to make a surprising discovery about women and conservation.
March 7, 2017
When it comes to food production, sustainability pays. Here’s how
Students are finding ways for sustainable fishers and farmers to make more money.
June 5, 2018
In cyclone-plagued country, forests help farmers recover
A new study explores the impacts of cyclones on Madagascar’s vulnerable smallholder farmers, who are often forced to turn to nature for survival.
May 24, 2016
Photo essay: In South Africa, a woman’s struggle to sustain the land that sustains her
At an age when many people are slowing down, Gertruida Cloete continues to face daily hardships while protecting her fragile, wild home.
March 6, 2016
What makes a good nature photo? An expert explains
Human Nature sat down with Conservation International’s photography manager to talk about three of her favorite photos.
June 14, 2018
Ivory investigator killed in Kenya
An ivory investigator was found dead in his home in Kenya on Sunday.
February 5, 2018
A tug of war in the night
From a poacher of bush meat to a small-business owner, Magic Mabunda illustrates the transformation underway in the communities outside Kruger National Park.
August 4, 2017
In the news: Escaped lions highlight plight of park neighbors
A recent case of escaped lions in South Africa’s Kruger National Park is a tragic example of the tension that can exist between people and wildlife around protected areas.
July 14, 2017
Nature meets culture: An elephant film, a ‘climate-friendly’ cookbook and more
In an occasional series, we review shows, podcasts and more that bring nature to life for you.
December 3, 2019
Why aren’t we doing more to protect wildlife rangers?
Keith Roberts is running an ultra-marathon through the Amazon to raise awareness about rangers’ crucial role fighting wildlife trafficking.
June 3, 2016
Amid lifelong search for lions, 20 cherished minutes
After years of visiting some of nature’s most stunning places, a filmmaker finally comes face to face with his favorite animal.
May 20, 2016
Two ears, one mouth
In South Africa’s Eastern Cape conservationists are connecting with local communities through culture, science and shared values.
August 9, 2017
Women’s work: Fighting for nature
Jennifer Morris describes her five female role models in conservation.
March 8, 2018
To a country on the edge of development, what is nature worth?
Conflict, poverty and disease prevented the collection of data on the state of Liberia’s ecosystems for decades — until now.
March 21, 2017
New study paints grim picture for Africa’s forest elephants
Poaching has killed off 60 percent of Africa’s forest-dwelling elephants since 2002 alone.
August 31, 2016
‘My Africa’ field notes: Good fences can make uneasy neighbors
Conservation International works to conserve wildlife while delivering justice to communities in South Africa.
March 23, 2018
The price of a dead elephant
In this new piece for Medium, Conservation International CEO M. Sanjayan explains why elephants are worth more alive.
November 21, 2017
What coffee and airplanes could mean for forests
In light of recent reports on climate change, forests are making headlines.
April 14, 2016
The future of Africa, in 6 charts
If Africa’s economic growth continues at the cost of its natural capital, the continent’s future as a global leader will be in jeopardy.
July 19, 2016
New tool could map out how countries adapt to a changing world
The latest edition of CI’s podcast series, “Inside Science,” explores the groundbreaking possibilities of the Resilience Atlas.
November 9, 2016
What on Earth is ‘land tenure’?
The concept of land tenure has major implications for conservation.
October 6, 2016
In a country racked by climate change, farming must change, too
Liberia considers how to mitigate climate change while strengthening its economy.
November 23, 2017
‘My Africa’ field notes: Portraits of hope for Africa’s elephants
Here are some of our favorite photos taken at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, with stories about the elephants and the caregivers who look after them.
April 4, 2018
‘My Africa’ field notes: Capturing baby elephants in virtual reality
Human Nature offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and inspirations of filming “My Africa.”
April 26, 2018
What’s in a (gorilla’s) name? Rwanda’s arrival as conservation leader
Amid a seemingly endless news cycle of wildlife losses and land degradation coming out of Africa, Rwanda is a conservation bright spot.
September 20, 2016
An accidental ranger finds his calling
When a scientist finds himself in the middle of anti-poaching operations, he asks himself whether there is a better way to conserve nature.
July 31, 2017
‘Time to fix things now’
In the farming town of Matatiele, a partnership is protecting Africa’s most biodiverse grassland and bringing prosperity through livestock auctions.
August 7, 2017
We’re in a global water crisis. It’s time to turn to nature
Water crises in Cape Town and Southern California have shined a light on the plight of the planet’s fresh water in the face of climate change — and the critical role that nature plays in addressing today’s most pressing water challenges.
October 16, 2018
With eye to hungry planet, new tech watches soil health
An estimated 10 billion people will walk the Earth by 2050 — how will humanity grow enough food on land that is increasingly tapped out?
February 15, 2018
In palm oil, Liberia sees economic boom — but forests may lose
CI Liberia’s Liam Walsh explains the opportunities and challenges that increased palm oil production could pose for the country.
October 28, 2016
Recent findings illuminate dark world of ‘demon whale-biters’
Research on the elusive cookie-cutter shark is the latest evidence of how little we know about the ocean and its marine life.
June 28, 2016
Protected areas DO save wildlife: Just ask these 5 species
New data collected by more than 1,000 camera traps reveals good news for many tropical species.
January 19, 2016
Want to change the world? Give women land rights
More women than ever are growing the world’s food — yet men continue to make most land-use decisions.
October 14, 2016
In camera-trap snaps, scientists tackle big data challenge
CI’s Jorge Ahumada gives a behind-the-scenes look at how technology is revolutionizing conservation biology.
January 21, 2016
Remembering conservation visionary Leon Rajaobelina
Conservation International remembers Leon Rajaobelina, longtime head of the Madagascar program.
January 12, 2018
In South Africa, the future of sustainable ranching looks bright
In Africa’s most biodiverse grasslands, a fifth-generation rancher tackles the challenges of sustainable livestock.
September 13, 2017
Our critical allies for elephants
Elephants illustrate a core truth about conservation work: It must be done alongside local communities.
August 12, 2017
Q&A: How the coffee sector is mapping a path toward global sustainability
With forecasts of growing demand and a changing climate, the time to protect this crucial crop is now.
March 4, 2016
Parched Cape Town’s lesson for cities: Protect nature
Human Nature talked to Conservation International’s freshwater lead about what cities have to do to protect their water supplies in a changing climate.
March 20, 2018
In parched South Africa, herders find ally in nature
Higher prices for cattle plus healthier rangelands means small-scale ranchers are better prepared for the next drought.
May 2, 2017
3 reasons elephants make the best mothers
On this Mother’s Day, here are three reasons why elephants make some of the best mothers.
May 10, 2018
What does gender have to do with conservation?
Human Nature talked to Conservation International field staff about their perspectives on why gender matters in conservation.
March 9, 2018
The most valued anti-poaching equipment? It may surprise you
In recent years, the battle against wildlife poaching in Africa has taken a high-tech turn. But for rangers on the ground, the basics can make all the difference.
May 25, 2017
What on Earth is a ‘conservation agreement’?
Here, we break down “conservation agreements,” an approach that helps conserve biodiversity while improving the quality of life for local communities.
February 20, 2018
Cacao plantations: Home sweet home for Madagascar’s lemurs?
CI funded new research that found Madagascar’s lemurs are making homes within cocoa plantations.
December 21, 2017
U.S. lifts ban on some elephant trophy imports
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the remains of legally hunted elephants in two African countries can be imported into the United States.
November 16, 2017
Protecting Africa’s oceans to secure our futures
Jessica Donovan-Allen, senior director of Conservation International Liberia, discusses why ocean conservation is vital in western Africa.
March 20, 2019
Want to fight climate change? Educate girls
Girls' school attendance is correlated with higher climate resilience in African countries.
May 9, 2019
Protections for African wildlife face growing threat: a lack of money
Two experts on protected areas react to recent findings that a majority of protected areas in Africa are underfunded.
October 24, 2018
Worldwide launch: Experience ‘My Africa’ in virtual reality
Conservation International released its “My Africa” virtual reality project to the world in seven languages.
April 30, 2018
To save elephants, it takes a village
Kenya’s Reteti Elephant Sanctuary — the first community-owned elephant sanctuary in East Africa — provides a place for injured elephants to heal and a home for elephants orphaned by poaching.
November 1, 2017
4 things you didn’t know elephants do for you
On top of being amazing creatures, elephants actually make life better for all of us, sometimes in surprising ways.
March 28, 2018
5 ways indigenous knowledge can solve global problems
The traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples could help address environmental problems that plague the entire planet.
May 9, 2016
What on Earth is a ‘carbon offset’?
What are carbon offsets? A way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Learn more.
July 27, 2017
What on Earth is ‘sustainable’ coffee?
What makes coffee “sustainable,” and why it even matters.
September 29, 2016