In India, indigenous youths are filming their own forests and communities

Communities in Ecuador are building a “bioeconomy” through ecotourism and sustainable agriculture instead of relying on oil extraction. This can help protect the country’s biodiversity and increase locals’ incomes.

Led by Native Hawai’ians, Kamehameha Schools owns thousands of acres of land dedicated to stewardship and conservation. The school partners with Native Hawaiian organizations and conducts eco-cultural education programs for students and members of the community to foster connections between them and the environment.

The demise of coral reefs has made headlines recently as conservationists face the challenge of trying to save what is left of them from global warming, ocean acidification, pollution, overfishing – to name just a few of the threats. Gardens of the Queen National Park in the Caribbean may hold some answers. From a pro-environmental government philosophy to a reduction in nitrogen- and phosphorus-rich farm runoff, there are more than a few practices that have culminated into a solution to keep Cuba's coral reef healthy.

A wildlife photographer in Maharashtra, India, adds like-minded animal conservationists to a WhatsApp group so they can share animal photos and knowledge with each other. The group members work together to solve different wildlife issues through information sharing and public education, and many of them also rescue animals.

A community-led conservation project spurred by traditional knowledge allowed the residents of Khonoma, India, to become self-sustaining and earn additional income from ecotourism, as opposed to relying on hunting and logging.

The Black Mambas are an all-female anti-poaching and ranger unit based in South Africa’s Balule Nature Reserve. They patrol on foot and by vehicle to remove bushmeat snares and look for evidence of illegal poaching activities. They also run the Bush Babies Environmental Education Programme, which teaches local school children about wildlife and conservation. The group combines anti-poaching enforcement with efforts to ensure local communities have food security and understand the economic and employment benefits of tourism as a way to protect wildlife. The Mambas are seen as role models within the community.

After a failed removal attempt of a bear cub from a tree, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for North Puget Sound decided they needed a new high-strength tarp. With a reported increase in the number of wildlife sightings, the one net they had in stock for the six-county region wasn’t always easy to deploy. So they secured funding for a tailor-made catch net that could be used for both cougar and bear removals.

Encouraging governments to behave transparently can also assist in environmental conservation efforts. Ulcinj Salina, an important saltwater wetland in Montenegro, faced an uncertain future prior to an international lobbying campaign that resulted in the area’s designation as a Nature Park. The effort included a WeMove campaign, as well as crucial intervention by other members of the European Union, encouraging the Montenegrin government to enact environmental standards.

Climate Perks is a program that encourages employees to avoid air travel and choose lower carbon-options for their personal travel. It is part of a trend of initiatives from businesses that incentivize slower travel as part of company policies or by offering extra vacation days. Despite slow adoption at Naturesave, another leader in encouraging green travel, environmentally-focused business leaders are hopeful for increased adoption as flight shame and climate change continue to be essential issues for young people.

California’s Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue is working hard to rehabilitate a lone beaver – among other wildlife – back to health and into their natural habitat. The species is key to natural ecosystems, making their survival necessary. While they’ve made progress, with the beaver being a rare occurrence, they still face significant challenges.