Good News #54
1,700 trees planted on English river, Royal Turtles released in Cambodia, Sumatran Orangutan uses rope bridge, mangrove planting breaks record in Kenya, and ecological restoration bears fruit in China
Here are the week’s top 5 environmental good news stories. When fear and conflict dominate the headlines, may these stories bring you hope.
Volunteers plant 1,700 new trees along the River Wear
In northeast England, volunteers braved cold April weather to plant 1,700 native trees along the River Wear. The trees will shade fish habitats, prevent erosion, and provide habitat for insects, birds, and mammals. Local groups say it’s the start of a wider push to reconnect the region’s waterways for both people and wildlife.
Twenty Royal Turtles return to Cambodia’s wild
Cambodia’s critically endangered Royal Turtle (Batagur affinis) is starting to rebound. Over the last decade, conservationists have been protecting nests, captive-rearing and releasing young, monitoring turtle populations, and protecting them from illegal fishing, sand dredging, and habitat loss. On April 29, The Wildlife Conservation Society and national fisheries officials released 20 juveniles into the Sre Ambel River, their last natural refuge. Each turtle carries a small tracker that will help scientists ensure their safe journey back into the ecosystem.
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First Sumatran Orangutan documented using rope bridge
A motion-sensor camera has documented the first Sumatran Orangutan using a canopy bridge to cross a busy road. The simple rope structure was installed by conservationists to help Orangutans travel safely between forest areas. Their habitat, which is already shrinking, was fragmented by the busy Lagan–Pagindar road in Pakpak Bharat district. About 350 critically endangered Orangutans travel between these areas, and hopefully this bridge will offer safe passage.
Kenya Sets World Record with 47,460 Mangroves in a Day
At Mombasa’s Tudor Creek, Canadian reforestation expert Antoine Moses joined local environmental groups to plant a staggering 47,460 mangrove seedlings in 24 hours, setting a new world record and helping restore the coastline. Mangroves store enormous amounts of carbon, shelter young fish, and buffer storms.
China’s Yellow River Basin springs back to life
Years of ecological restoration along the Yellow River have helped reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and slow desertification. According to China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, virtually all 137 nature reserves in the basin are now rated “excellent” or “good.” Wildlife is rebounding, including Brown eared Pheasants and endangered Giant Pandas and Snow Leopards.