Conservation Optimism
@conservoptimism.bsky.social
Sharing #ConservationOptimism via stories of hope & resources for empowerment!
🌍A global community supported by Oxford University, Synchronicity Earth & Whitley Fund for Nature.
🌍A global community supported by Oxford University, Synchronicity Earth & Whitley Fund for Nature.
The Good Natured Film Festival 2025: The winners!
Congratulations to all our winners and every filmmaker who shared their vision with us.
Now it's your turn to experience the magic!
The Virtual Screening is now live on YouTube with incredible films: buff.ly/THseUES
#ConservationOptimism
Congratulations to all our winners and every filmmaker who shared their vision with us.
Now it's your turn to experience the magic!
The Virtual Screening is now live on YouTube with incredible films: buff.ly/THseUES
#ConservationOptimism
November 29, 2025 at 12:59 PM
The Good Natured Film Festival 2025: The winners!
Congratulations to all our winners and every filmmaker who shared their vision with us.
Now it's your turn to experience the magic!
The Virtual Screening is now live on YouTube with incredible films: buff.ly/THseUES
#ConservationOptimism
Congratulations to all our winners and every filmmaker who shared their vision with us.
Now it's your turn to experience the magic!
The Virtual Screening is now live on YouTube with incredible films: buff.ly/THseUES
#ConservationOptimism
Reposted by Conservation Optimism
Some good news for this morning. 🙂
From extinction to expansion!
Vultures are returning to Romania's Carpathian Mountains after a century, while Ukraine's rewilding project has restored 13,500 hectares and released over 240 animals despite ongoing challenges.
Read the full blog here: buff.ly/E5oJwRV
#ConservationOptimism
Vultures are returning to Romania's Carpathian Mountains after a century, while Ukraine's rewilding project has restored 13,500 hectares and released over 240 animals despite ongoing challenges.
Read the full blog here: buff.ly/E5oJwRV
#ConservationOptimism
November 24, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Some good news for this morning. 🙂
The freshwater fish crisis is real.
SHOAL Conservation experts break down how their 1000 Fishes initiative is saving the world's most threatened freshwater species.
If you care about the 51% of Earth's biodiversity that lives in freshwater, this webinar is essential viewing.
buff.ly/o0Vzyae
SHOAL Conservation experts break down how their 1000 Fishes initiative is saving the world's most threatened freshwater species.
If you care about the 51% of Earth's biodiversity that lives in freshwater, this webinar is essential viewing.
buff.ly/o0Vzyae
November 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The freshwater fish crisis is real.
SHOAL Conservation experts break down how their 1000 Fishes initiative is saving the world's most threatened freshwater species.
If you care about the 51% of Earth's biodiversity that lives in freshwater, this webinar is essential viewing.
buff.ly/o0Vzyae
SHOAL Conservation experts break down how their 1000 Fishes initiative is saving the world's most threatened freshwater species.
If you care about the 51% of Earth's biodiversity that lives in freshwater, this webinar is essential viewing.
buff.ly/o0Vzyae
Kumar Paudel, has spent 15+ years protecting pangolins and threatened wildlife through his organization, Greenhood Nepal.
His work ranges from tracking pangolins in forests to composing conservation songs to advocating in courtrooms.
Read his full story here: buff.ly/IcCrmfm
#ConservationOptimism
His work ranges from tracking pangolins in forests to composing conservation songs to advocating in courtrooms.
Read his full story here: buff.ly/IcCrmfm
#ConservationOptimism
November 25, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Kumar Paudel, has spent 15+ years protecting pangolins and threatened wildlife through his organization, Greenhood Nepal.
His work ranges from tracking pangolins in forests to composing conservation songs to advocating in courtrooms.
Read his full story here: buff.ly/IcCrmfm
#ConservationOptimism
His work ranges from tracking pangolins in forests to composing conservation songs to advocating in courtrooms.
Read his full story here: buff.ly/IcCrmfm
#ConservationOptimism
From extinction to expansion!
Vultures are returning to Romania's Carpathian Mountains after a century, while Ukraine's rewilding project has restored 13,500 hectares and released over 240 animals despite ongoing challenges.
Read the full blog here: buff.ly/E5oJwRV
#ConservationOptimism
Vultures are returning to Romania's Carpathian Mountains after a century, while Ukraine's rewilding project has restored 13,500 hectares and released over 240 animals despite ongoing challenges.
Read the full blog here: buff.ly/E5oJwRV
#ConservationOptimism
November 24, 2025 at 1:57 PM
From extinction to expansion!
Vultures are returning to Romania's Carpathian Mountains after a century, while Ukraine's rewilding project has restored 13,500 hectares and released over 240 animals despite ongoing challenges.
Read the full blog here: buff.ly/E5oJwRV
#ConservationOptimism
Vultures are returning to Romania's Carpathian Mountains after a century, while Ukraine's rewilding project has restored 13,500 hectares and released over 240 animals despite ongoing challenges.
Read the full blog here: buff.ly/E5oJwRV
#ConservationOptimism
7 stories to reinvigorate your week.
Puffins returned to Northern Ireland's Isle of Muck for the first time in 25 years after invasive rat removal, while France's insect-eating birds are bouncing back following the EU's neonicotinoid pesticide ban.
Read on: buff.ly/IO3uHjV
#ConservationOptimism
Puffins returned to Northern Ireland's Isle of Muck for the first time in 25 years after invasive rat removal, while France's insect-eating birds are bouncing back following the EU's neonicotinoid pesticide ban.
Read on: buff.ly/IO3uHjV
#ConservationOptimism
November 19, 2025 at 4:33 PM
7 stories to reinvigorate your week.
Puffins returned to Northern Ireland's Isle of Muck for the first time in 25 years after invasive rat removal, while France's insect-eating birds are bouncing back following the EU's neonicotinoid pesticide ban.
Read on: buff.ly/IO3uHjV
#ConservationOptimism
Puffins returned to Northern Ireland's Isle of Muck for the first time in 25 years after invasive rat removal, while France's insect-eating birds are bouncing back following the EU's neonicotinoid pesticide ban.
Read on: buff.ly/IO3uHjV
#ConservationOptimism
Meet Leena Joshi, founder of Climate Conservancy, a global youth movement proving that hope is an action, not just a feeling.
Their secret?
Turning skepticism into dialogue, despair into resilience, and borders into bridges.
Read Leena's story here: buff.ly/KcBEsIg
Their secret?
Turning skepticism into dialogue, despair into resilience, and borders into bridges.
Read Leena's story here: buff.ly/KcBEsIg
November 16, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Meet Leena Joshi, founder of Climate Conservancy, a global youth movement proving that hope is an action, not just a feeling.
Their secret?
Turning skepticism into dialogue, despair into resilience, and borders into bridges.
Read Leena's story here: buff.ly/KcBEsIg
Their secret?
Turning skepticism into dialogue, despair into resilience, and borders into bridges.
Read Leena's story here: buff.ly/KcBEsIg
A little cheer for the weekend!
Communities in Kenya celebrated a major victory as courts upheld the cancellation of a massive coal plant, while Britain's solar farms are becoming unexpected havens for struggling bumblebees.
Get the full scoop here: buff.ly/2JrnJwp
#ConservationOptimism
Communities in Kenya celebrated a major victory as courts upheld the cancellation of a massive coal plant, while Britain's solar farms are becoming unexpected havens for struggling bumblebees.
Get the full scoop here: buff.ly/2JrnJwp
#ConservationOptimism
November 16, 2025 at 7:31 AM
A little cheer for the weekend!
Communities in Kenya celebrated a major victory as courts upheld the cancellation of a massive coal plant, while Britain's solar farms are becoming unexpected havens for struggling bumblebees.
Get the full scoop here: buff.ly/2JrnJwp
#ConservationOptimism
Communities in Kenya celebrated a major victory as courts upheld the cancellation of a massive coal plant, while Britain's solar farms are becoming unexpected havens for struggling bumblebees.
Get the full scoop here: buff.ly/2JrnJwp
#ConservationOptimism
3 Days To Go!
Join us this Thursday, 13 November at 13:00 GMT as we talk to Mike Baltzer, Georgie Bull, and Michael Edmondstone from SHOAL Conservation about their 1000 Fishes Initiative.
Register now: buff.ly/T7bEWef
#ConservationOptimism
Join us this Thursday, 13 November at 13:00 GMT as we talk to Mike Baltzer, Georgie Bull, and Michael Edmondstone from SHOAL Conservation about their 1000 Fishes Initiative.
Register now: buff.ly/T7bEWef
#ConservationOptimism
November 10, 2025 at 9:27 AM
3 Days To Go!
Join us this Thursday, 13 November at 13:00 GMT as we talk to Mike Baltzer, Georgie Bull, and Michael Edmondstone from SHOAL Conservation about their 1000 Fishes Initiative.
Register now: buff.ly/T7bEWef
#ConservationOptimism
Join us this Thursday, 13 November at 13:00 GMT as we talk to Mike Baltzer, Georgie Bull, and Michael Edmondstone from SHOAL Conservation about their 1000 Fishes Initiative.
Register now: buff.ly/T7bEWef
#ConservationOptimism
Reposted by Conservation Optimism
Come to the screening of short films from 2025 @conservoptimism.bsky.social
Film Festival at @royalholloway.bsky.social on Monday Nov 10th. It is organized by our fantastic student-led BioSoc and festival co-founder @sofiaatsea.bsky.social will do intro to the films
Film Festival at @royalholloway.bsky.social on Monday Nov 10th. It is organized by our fantastic student-led BioSoc and festival co-founder @sofiaatsea.bsky.social will do intro to the films
November 7, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Come to the screening of short films from 2025 @conservoptimism.bsky.social
Film Festival at @royalholloway.bsky.social on Monday Nov 10th. It is organized by our fantastic student-led BioSoc and festival co-founder @sofiaatsea.bsky.social will do intro to the films
Film Festival at @royalholloway.bsky.social on Monday Nov 10th. It is organized by our fantastic student-led BioSoc and festival co-founder @sofiaatsea.bsky.social will do intro to the films
We spoke with Manon Verijdt about how she founded & leads Ubuntu Magazine, with 25+ international volunteers, in this inspiring webinar, from her vision to volunteer management to real-world impact
Watch the webinar recording here: buff.ly/UGQjDNc
#ConservationOptimism
Watch the webinar recording here: buff.ly/UGQjDNc
#ConservationOptimism
November 10, 2025 at 8:08 AM
We spoke with Manon Verijdt about how she founded & leads Ubuntu Magazine, with 25+ international volunteers, in this inspiring webinar, from her vision to volunteer management to real-world impact
Watch the webinar recording here: buff.ly/UGQjDNc
#ConservationOptimism
Watch the webinar recording here: buff.ly/UGQjDNc
#ConservationOptimism
Nature bounces back
Salmon returned to Oregon's Klamath River within a year, Fiji's coral reefs recovered to near-pre-cyclone conditions in 4 years & over 100 million red crabs are migrating across Christmas Island after a stunning population rebound
Read on: buff.ly/neJ21SM
#ConservationOptimism
Salmon returned to Oregon's Klamath River within a year, Fiji's coral reefs recovered to near-pre-cyclone conditions in 4 years & over 100 million red crabs are migrating across Christmas Island after a stunning population rebound
Read on: buff.ly/neJ21SM
#ConservationOptimism
November 5, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Nature bounces back
Salmon returned to Oregon's Klamath River within a year, Fiji's coral reefs recovered to near-pre-cyclone conditions in 4 years & over 100 million red crabs are migrating across Christmas Island after a stunning population rebound
Read on: buff.ly/neJ21SM
#ConservationOptimism
Salmon returned to Oregon's Klamath River within a year, Fiji's coral reefs recovered to near-pre-cyclone conditions in 4 years & over 100 million red crabs are migrating across Christmas Island after a stunning population rebound
Read on: buff.ly/neJ21SM
#ConservationOptimism
Travel with purpose
What began as a moment of wonder on her first safari to Tanzania has since grown into BornWild — Kate K. F.'s way of turning travel into a force for conservation.
Kate’s story explores how adventure can protect wild places & the creatures that call them home.
buff.ly/uo0jnUX
What began as a moment of wonder on her first safari to Tanzania has since grown into BornWild — Kate K. F.'s way of turning travel into a force for conservation.
Kate’s story explores how adventure can protect wild places & the creatures that call them home.
buff.ly/uo0jnUX
October 30, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Travel with purpose
What began as a moment of wonder on her first safari to Tanzania has since grown into BornWild — Kate K. F.'s way of turning travel into a force for conservation.
Kate’s story explores how adventure can protect wild places & the creatures that call them home.
buff.ly/uo0jnUX
What began as a moment of wonder on her first safari to Tanzania has since grown into BornWild — Kate K. F.'s way of turning travel into a force for conservation.
Kate’s story explores how adventure can protect wild places & the creatures that call them home.
buff.ly/uo0jnUX
This week's wins!
Two peregrine falcon chicks from St Albans Cathedral are thriving in different counties. At the same time, South Downs National Park has discovered a wealth of biodiversity, including the scarce blue-tailed damselfly, once thought extinct.
buff.ly/qaBEN3t
#ConservationOptimism
Two peregrine falcon chicks from St Albans Cathedral are thriving in different counties. At the same time, South Downs National Park has discovered a wealth of biodiversity, including the scarce blue-tailed damselfly, once thought extinct.
buff.ly/qaBEN3t
#ConservationOptimism
October 27, 2025 at 12:55 PM
This week's wins!
Two peregrine falcon chicks from St Albans Cathedral are thriving in different counties. At the same time, South Downs National Park has discovered a wealth of biodiversity, including the scarce blue-tailed damselfly, once thought extinct.
buff.ly/qaBEN3t
#ConservationOptimism
Two peregrine falcon chicks from St Albans Cathedral are thriving in different counties. At the same time, South Downs National Park has discovered a wealth of biodiversity, including the scarce blue-tailed damselfly, once thought extinct.
buff.ly/qaBEN3t
#ConservationOptimism
Reposted by Conservation Optimism
2025 @conservoptimism.bsky.social Film Festival takes place tonight @morethanadodo.bsky.social. Sofia Castelló y Tickell (@sofiaatsea.bsky.social) from @rhulbiology.bsky.social, a co-founder of the festival, welcomes everyone. The festival is livestreamed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=urvW...
October 25, 2025 at 6:41 PM
2025 @conservoptimism.bsky.social Film Festival takes place tonight @morethanadodo.bsky.social. Sofia Castelló y Tickell (@sofiaatsea.bsky.social) from @rhulbiology.bsky.social, a co-founder of the festival, welcomes everyone. The festival is livestreamed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=urvW...
Can't make it to Oxford? No problem!
Join us from anywhere in the world as we livestream the #ConservationOptimism Good Natured Film Festival directly from the stunning Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Tune in on 25.10.2025 at 18:30 GMT+1: buff.ly/kwTne7r
No Registration required.
Join us from anywhere in the world as we livestream the #ConservationOptimism Good Natured Film Festival directly from the stunning Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Tune in on 25.10.2025 at 18:30 GMT+1: buff.ly/kwTne7r
No Registration required.
October 17, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Can't make it to Oxford? No problem!
Join us from anywhere in the world as we livestream the #ConservationOptimism Good Natured Film Festival directly from the stunning Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Tune in on 25.10.2025 at 18:30 GMT+1: buff.ly/kwTne7r
No Registration required.
Join us from anywhere in the world as we livestream the #ConservationOptimism Good Natured Film Festival directly from the stunning Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Tune in on 25.10.2025 at 18:30 GMT+1: buff.ly/kwTne7r
No Registration required.
The final chapter 🌿
In part 3 of this blog series, Jon brings it all together: conservation isn't just about science anymore – it's about changing hearts and minds. Mastering communication is no longer optional for conservationists – it's essential.
Read part 3 and let's talk: buff.ly/rBYPWVl
In part 3 of this blog series, Jon brings it all together: conservation isn't just about science anymore – it's about changing hearts and minds. Mastering communication is no longer optional for conservationists – it's essential.
Read part 3 and let's talk: buff.ly/rBYPWVl
October 16, 2025 at 1:18 PM
The final chapter 🌿
In part 3 of this blog series, Jon brings it all together: conservation isn't just about science anymore – it's about changing hearts and minds. Mastering communication is no longer optional for conservationists – it's essential.
Read part 3 and let's talk: buff.ly/rBYPWVl
In part 3 of this blog series, Jon brings it all together: conservation isn't just about science anymore – it's about changing hearts and minds. Mastering communication is no longer optional for conservationists – it's essential.
Read part 3 and let's talk: buff.ly/rBYPWVl
Part 2 of 3 is here!
In the second of the three part blog series, Jon (@africanhorses.bsky.social) dives into the communication tools that can make or break conservation efforts – from the power of storytelling to the impact of a single word choice.
Read part 2 now: buff.ly/5aEs2JS
In the second of the three part blog series, Jon (@africanhorses.bsky.social) dives into the communication tools that can make or break conservation efforts – from the power of storytelling to the impact of a single word choice.
Read part 2 now: buff.ly/5aEs2JS
October 15, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Part 2 of 3 is here!
In the second of the three part blog series, Jon (@africanhorses.bsky.social) dives into the communication tools that can make or break conservation efforts – from the power of storytelling to the impact of a single word choice.
Read part 2 now: buff.ly/5aEs2JS
In the second of the three part blog series, Jon (@africanhorses.bsky.social) dives into the communication tools that can make or break conservation efforts – from the power of storytelling to the impact of a single word choice.
Read part 2 now: buff.ly/5aEs2JS
A year on from our 2024 Summit, our Director Jon Taylor (@africanhorses.bsky.social) reflects on why Conservation Optimism exists and what drives our work.
In this first of three blogs, Jon shares why balancing hope with reality matters.
Read part 1 now: buff.ly/lHqueCK
#Conservationoptimism
In this first of three blogs, Jon shares why balancing hope with reality matters.
Read part 1 now: buff.ly/lHqueCK
#Conservationoptimism
October 14, 2025 at 4:33 PM
A year on from our 2024 Summit, our Director Jon Taylor (@africanhorses.bsky.social) reflects on why Conservation Optimism exists and what drives our work.
In this first of three blogs, Jon shares why balancing hope with reality matters.
Read part 1 now: buff.ly/lHqueCK
#Conservationoptimism
In this first of three blogs, Jon shares why balancing hope with reality matters.
Read part 1 now: buff.ly/lHqueCK
#Conservationoptimism
Reposted by Conservation Optimism
HOWEVER:
Monarch butterflies are taking over New York City on their miraculous 2,000-mile migration to Mexico! 🦋
This week also brought us rare turtle dove chicks in Kent, and a brand new marsupial species discovered in Peru.
Read the full roundup here: buff.ly/HGYIUjZ
#Conservationoptimism
This week also brought us rare turtle dove chicks in Kent, and a brand new marsupial species discovered in Peru.
Read the full roundup here: buff.ly/HGYIUjZ
#Conservationoptimism
September 30, 2025 at 11:57 AM
HOWEVER:
Reposted by Conservation Optimism
….and now for a dose of #conservationoptimism THIS is why we encourage & plant milkweed around our gardens
This monarch just emerged here near the Vermont/MA border 🎉
Drying its wings for a couple hours after emerging from its chrysalis, now it will fly 3,000 miles to overwinter in Mexico!
This monarch just emerged here near the Vermont/MA border 🎉
Drying its wings for a couple hours after emerging from its chrysalis, now it will fly 3,000 miles to overwinter in Mexico!
October 6, 2025 at 8:04 PM
ONE WEEK TO GO!
Don't miss your chance to learn from Manon Verijdt about building a global conservation platform from scratch
Discover how to turn your conservation ideas into impact with a remote volunteer team
October 14th | 13:00 BST
Register today: buff.ly/z3JuR0J
#ConservationOptimism
Don't miss your chance to learn from Manon Verijdt about building a global conservation platform from scratch
Discover how to turn your conservation ideas into impact with a remote volunteer team
October 14th | 13:00 BST
Register today: buff.ly/z3JuR0J
#ConservationOptimism
October 7, 2025 at 7:47 AM
ONE WEEK TO GO!
Don't miss your chance to learn from Manon Verijdt about building a global conservation platform from scratch
Discover how to turn your conservation ideas into impact with a remote volunteer team
October 14th | 13:00 BST
Register today: buff.ly/z3JuR0J
#ConservationOptimism
Don't miss your chance to learn from Manon Verijdt about building a global conservation platform from scratch
Discover how to turn your conservation ideas into impact with a remote volunteer team
October 14th | 13:00 BST
Register today: buff.ly/z3JuR0J
#ConservationOptimism
Monarch butterflies are taking over New York City on their miraculous 2,000-mile migration to Mexico! 🦋
This week also brought us rare turtle dove chicks in Kent, and a brand new marsupial species discovered in Peru.
Read the full roundup here: buff.ly/HGYIUjZ
#Conservationoptimism
This week also brought us rare turtle dove chicks in Kent, and a brand new marsupial species discovered in Peru.
Read the full roundup here: buff.ly/HGYIUjZ
#Conservationoptimism
September 30, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Monarch butterflies are taking over New York City on their miraculous 2,000-mile migration to Mexico! 🦋
This week also brought us rare turtle dove chicks in Kent, and a brand new marsupial species discovered in Peru.
Read the full roundup here: buff.ly/HGYIUjZ
#Conservationoptimism
This week also brought us rare turtle dove chicks in Kent, and a brand new marsupial species discovered in Peru.
Read the full roundup here: buff.ly/HGYIUjZ
#Conservationoptimism
Meet our fourth Judge & Mentor George McGavin!
This insect enthusiast extraordinaire spent 25 years curating Oxford's world-famous Hope Entomological Collections before becoming a beloved BBC Natural History presenter.
Tickets to the Film Festival are now available here: buff.ly/zQxkOdE
This insect enthusiast extraordinaire spent 25 years curating Oxford's world-famous Hope Entomological Collections before becoming a beloved BBC Natural History presenter.
Tickets to the Film Festival are now available here: buff.ly/zQxkOdE
September 29, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Meet our fourth Judge & Mentor George McGavin!
This insect enthusiast extraordinaire spent 25 years curating Oxford's world-famous Hope Entomological Collections before becoming a beloved BBC Natural History presenter.
Tickets to the Film Festival are now available here: buff.ly/zQxkOdE
This insect enthusiast extraordinaire spent 25 years curating Oxford's world-famous Hope Entomological Collections before becoming a beloved BBC Natural History presenter.
Tickets to the Film Festival are now available here: buff.ly/zQxkOdE
Reposted by Conservation Optimism
Following on from the bird story, here's an account to follow when you are overwhelmed by the horror of it all.
This week brought incredible wildlife comebacks!
Lancashire is bringing back lost butterflies and dragonflies to ancient peat bogs, Wales launched a new pine marten sanctuary, and Nepal recorded 155 active vulture nests—the highest yet!
Read on: buff.ly/bW0MVFi
#ConservationOptimism
Lancashire is bringing back lost butterflies and dragonflies to ancient peat bogs, Wales launched a new pine marten sanctuary, and Nepal recorded 155 active vulture nests—the highest yet!
Read on: buff.ly/bW0MVFi
#ConservationOptimism
September 17, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Following on from the bird story, here's an account to follow when you are overwhelmed by the horror of it all.