Conservation News
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
In Amazon, small towns are a force of nature
Years ahead of schedule, Bolivia has met an ambitious goal to protect 30 percent of its land — and that's thanks in large part to Amazonian towns and villages that are accelerating the pace and scale of conservation in the country.
April 12, 2023
3 reasons for hope for the Amazon
When U.S. President Joseph Biden meets with Brazil’s newly elected president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in Washington this week, climate change and the fate of the Amazon will be one of the many items of discussion, according to news reports.
February 9, 2023
‘Audacious’ reforestation effort grows in Brazil
A bold initiative to regrow 73 million trees in the Brazilian Amazon has made substantial progress despite some unexpected hurdles, according to an upcoming report.
February 7, 2023
News Spotlight: Indigenous land stewardship key to preserving Amazon carbon sinks
In case you missed it: The Amazon is the ecological jewel of the world, home to nearly 400 billion trees and 10,000 species at risk of extinction. It’s also the world’s largest terrestrial carbon sink. Yet a new report shows those climate benefits are not uniformly distributed.
January 23, 2023
Meet 3 Indigenous women fighting for the future of the Amazon
Meet three of Conservation International's Amazonia Indigenous Women's fellows working to protect the world's largest rainforest.
August 9, 2022
News spotlight: Record deforestation could forever transform the Amazon
In case you missed it: Brazil's rainforests are in serious trouble.
July 18, 2022
Methuselah: Still the world's oldest tree?
In eastern California, a Great Basin bristlecone pine known as Methuselah has long been considered Earth’s oldest living thing. But in Chile, a new challenger has emerged that could be 500 years older than the reigning champ.
June 6, 2022
New science: Removing ‘climber’ plants doubles tree growth — and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
May 5, 2022
Notes from the field: fish-waste fertilizer, fire-resistant trees and more
Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
February 25, 2022
In historic move, Costa Rica makes big splash for conservation
Costa Rica announced Friday that it will expand its protected ocean area from 2.7 percent to more than 30 percent of its territorial waters.
December 17, 2021
A scientist’s view: Critics of carbon markets miss the mark
According to a Conservation International expert, carbon markets offer two things we need to stop climate breakdown: speed and reach.
November 9, 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
Study: How years of wildfires have devastated the Amazon
For the first time, scientists have quantified the impact these fires have had on animals and plants in the Amazon over the past two decades. And according to their new study published today in Nature, these species are suffering — but there is still time to protect them.
September 1, 2021
New science: Protecting the planet’s biodiversity — from soil to coral
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
August 5, 2021
Meet a scientist: the fisheries aficionado
Ana Gloria Guzmán-Mora is the executive director of Conservation International’s Costa Rica program, where she works with local communities and governments to help them meet their goals for protecting the planet.
July 22, 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
In the high seas, scientists uncover a ‘vortex of life’
On the surface, the international waters off the coasts of Peru and Chile are a seemingly barren expanse. But beneath the waves, two underwater mountain chains — known as the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges — are bursting with life, according to a new study.
June 30, 2021
What on Earth is a ‘seascape’?
A unique approach to ocean conservation could help countries balance protection and production for the marine ecosystems they depend on.
June 8, 2021
As pandemic pounded Peru, one region thrived on coffee, carbon
Across Peru, the COVID-19 pandemic has left millions without jobs. But in the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, where the Amazon meets the Andes, coffee farmers were spared much of the economic devastation that gripped Peru’s cities and towns.
April 9, 2021
Notes from the field: From fighting fires to cleaning seas, communities stand up for nature
Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
April 8, 2021
In Bolivian Andes, new protected area offers ‘a breath of fresh air’
With support from Conservation International, the municipality of Guanay in Bolivia established a law to protect one-third of its land.
March 25, 2021
Study: Could the Amazon become ground zero for the world’s next pandemic?
If deforestation continues to accelerate, the Amazon could be at risk of becoming ground zero for the world’s next pandemic, according to a study published today.
March 24, 2021
New report on carbon markets: What you need to know
The market for carbon offsets must be scaled up globally to make a sufficient dent in climate change, according to a new report that lays out a path toward a high-quality global carbon market.
February 3, 2021
Notes from the field: For communities, conservation brings business opportunities
Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
January 21, 2021
Trove of new species discovered in hidden Bolivian valley
On an expedition to Bolivia's Zongo Valley, a team of researchers recently discovered 20 species completely new to science, and rediscovered several species that had not been seen for decades.
December 14, 2020
New science: detrimental dams, fishery fears, protection rollbacks
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
September 10, 2020
In Galápagos, novel conservation approach finds ‘sweet spot’ between production, protection
A Conservation International expert explains how an integrated approach to protection and production could help humanity transform how we manage the lands and seas we depend on.
September 2, 2020
Expert: COVID, climate change create ‘perfect storm’ for Amazon fires
A year after unprecedented fires ravaged the Amazon, the latest data indicate the world’s largest rainforest faces an even higher risk of fires in 2020.
July 7, 2020
Study: COVID-19 jeopardizing world’s protected areas
The COVID-19 pandemic is jeopardizing areas set aside to conserve nature, according to a study published yesterday.
June 3, 2020
In wind-swept Andes, (sustainable) vicuña wool is good as gold
Find out how one woolly species is supporting conservation work and livelihoods for communities in Bolivia.
November 7, 2019
Notes from the field: Protecting forests to benefit people
Here are three conservation successes you need to know about.
October 29, 2019
Ashes to action: 3 things we know about the Amazon fires
Here are 3 takeaways about the Amazon fires from Conservation International scientists.
October 22, 2019
Climate Week: From the Amazon to the oceans
Tuesday’s Climate Week roundup: UN report warns grim future for oceans, marine scientists map out how to prevent that future and leaders discuss building resilience in coastal communities.
September 25, 2019
Climate Week: Youth, morality and the fate of the Amazon
Monday‘s Climate Week roundup: France commits US$ 100 million to a fund to protect the Amazon, religious leaders discuss the ethics of conservation and scientists declare a “planetary emergency.”
September 24, 2019
France backs bold new pact to save Amazon
France has committed US$ 100 million to a new South American-led initiative to protect the Amazon rainforest, with Conservation International pledging an additional US$ 20 million.
September 23, 2019
What is Climate Week? 3 things you need to know
Here are 3 things you need to know about Climate Week 2019.
September 18, 2019
Four questions about the Amazon fires, answered
Conservation International experts explain more about the fires raging through the Amazon.
August 23, 2019
The Amazon is on fire: 5 things you need to know
The Amazon is on fire. Here are 5 things you need to know.
August 22, 2019
Forest carbon credits ‘worse than nothing’? There’s more to this story
Forest carbon credits ‘worse than nothing’? There’s more to this story
May 24, 2019
As climate warms, Ecuador fights fires with forecasts
An innovative tool combines weather forecasts with fire-tracking systems to create a "fire-weather forecast."
May 22, 2019
Saving the mangroves to save the clams — and a way of life
A community in Colombia ensures their mangroves and clams are around well into the future.
June 21, 2018
In a long-lost city, scientists find an ‘exuberance’ of life
A team of researchers led by Conservation International explored the biological treasures that exist in an inaccessible corner of Central America.
May 23, 2018
Voices of the Alto Mayo: Women in charge
María Hernández describes her life in the Alto Mayo and how it has changed since she and her sister, Maximila, signed a conservation agreement.
April 3, 2018
Voices of the Alto Mayo: ‘The forest gives me everything’
Abdías Vásquez describes his life in the Alto Mayo and how it has changed since he signed a conservation agreement.
March 27, 2018
3 things you didn’t know trees did for you
Here are three surprising benefits of forests
March 21, 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
What on Earth is the ‘blue economy’?
On the first day of the Economist World Ocean Summit, we break down the “blue economy.”
March 7, 2018
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
Deforested areas in the Amazon vulnerable to loss of legal protections, study finds
Human Nature talked to Conservation International scientists about what their findings about protected areas could mean for the Amazon’s future.
February 13, 2018
For Colombia’s fishers, embracing sustainability brings better pay
The EcoGourmet program connects independent fishers to local restaurants.
November 28, 2017
For Caribbean island nations, nature is first line of climate defense
In the Caribbean Islands, nations are turning to nature to mount an effective defense against extreme weather impacts.
October 13, 2017
Massive reforestation effort puts down roots in Brazilian Amazon
A new project seeks to kickstart a revival for the world’s largest rainforest by planting tens of millions new trees.
September 15, 2017
Off Panama’s coast, divers resurrect a ‘ghost’ of the deep
A routine search for spots to train scuba divers led to a disturbing discovery: huge, abandoned fishing nets in the middle of the ocean.
May 3, 2017
What on Earth is ‘land tenure’?
The concept of land tenure has major implications for conservation.
October 6, 2016
What on Earth is ‘sustainable’ coffee?
What makes coffee “sustainable,” and why it even matters.
September 29, 2016
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
Illegal logger turned forest champion — with help from hummingbirds
For Norbil Becerra, destroying forests was a necessary evil — until the day he saw a hummingbird.
January 5, 2016
To fight deforestation, one country changed the equation
In Ecuador, it pays to save the forest.
November 23, 2015