Conservation International

This week on Outrage + Optimism, Conservation International Arnold Distinguished Fellow Monica Medina joins Christiana Figueres from #COP16 to explore the essential interdependence of climate and biodiversity. LISTEN NOW:

Indigenous peoples represent just 6% of the world’s population, yet are stewarding at least 40% of remaining intact ecosystems, with far too little acknowledgment and completely inadequate financial support. Fully recognising this singular effort and what it means for all of us is the issue at the heart of #COP16. In this week’s episode join Christiana Figueres to hear more on this and other essential updates from the Biodiversity COP negotiations underway in Colombia. She speaks to Monica Medina (Arnold Distinguished Fellow with Conservation International and the US’ first Special Envoy for Biodiversity) direct from Cali, as well as Freya Newman and Irene Suarez Perez from the Global Optimism team. Listen here https://bit.ly/3AgQxj7 or wherever you get your podcasts.

Anacondas, tarantulas, and jaguars may be some of the more common fears you'd expect to find in the Amazon. But there's another one, perhaps even more terrifying, lurking in the shadows.   On a filming expedition, Conservation International Director of Visual Storytelling John Martin discovered a new horror - one that crawls, creeps, and digs deep under your skin. 👀   Happy Halloween and beware of the little creepy crawlies. 🎃

“What is accomplished in Cali tomorrow will impact Baku, and Belem next year. Ultimately, it will impact nature’s future and our survival options.” LIVE FROM #COP16, Conservation International Chief Strategy Officer Patricia Zurita joins the United Nations State of Play press conference as policy experts from some of the largest nature organizations provide an update on the negotiations.

This week at #COP16, six international conservation groups including Conservation International launched a new coalition to develop practice standards for sovereign debt conversions for nature and climate. “The six organizations will develop practice standards for converting sovereign debt for nature and climate commitments, which are expected to be published by early 2025, the statement said, adding that standards will focus on aspects such as governance and operations and conservation trust funds, among others. The coalition will also focus on joining forces on debt conversion projects, developing policy, and increasing the size of available capital for credit enhancement such as insurance and guarantees.”

What if monsters are real? 👀   Conservation International One Health Advisor Dr. Neil Vora, MD explains our age-old fear of monsters and their possible roots in real-life diseases. He reminds us that, unlike most movies, we have what it takes to fight back. #Halloween

Indigenous Peoples and local communities are the guardians of nature. Their knowledge and voices are vital for guiding decisions made at #COP16. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim

Last night at #COP16Colombia, Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, the Global Environment Facility, and Conservation International proudly launched MEx30x30: — an initiative dedicated to conserving 30% of Mexico's land and marine territory by 2030. This commitment aligns with Mexico’s National Biodiversity Strategy and aims to protect 232 vital protected areas by working closely with local communities and Indigenous Peoples. Conservation International's Patricia Zurita said of the project, "in supporting MEx30x30, we recognize that true conservation success must integrate the expertise, knowledge, and leadership of local communities and Indigenous Peoples who are the frontline stewards of our planet's biodiversity." MEx30x30 sets a model for global biodiversity protection, showing that local partnerships are key to lasting conservation. Learn more about this inspiring initiative and the work of the #GBFF: https://ow.ly/XGZ150TX7lf

This afternoon, we heard from Conservation International fellow Saurav Malhotra, Founding Managing Director of Mountains to Mangroves, Princess Marie-Esméralda of Belgium, and Conservation International's Patricia Zurita at the launch of #MountainsToMangroves at #COP16.   Exciting discussions about this novel project and showcases of reforestation efforts in Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Northeast India, where communities are leading the way in protecting their forests and creating a sustainable future.   Featuring reforestation initiatives and an innovative storytelling campaign, this project highlights the Eastern Himalayas as a critical environmental and social asset of global importance, and demonstrates the power of collaboration between local communities and global partners to address pressing environmental challenges. Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment Bhutan Ecological Society Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation Friendship NGO TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute

📸 Just captured: New camera traps in Cambodia’s Central Cardamom Mountains reveal over 100 species. A new study by Conservation International and the Cambodian government used camera traps in Cambodia’s Central Cardamom Mountains to capture images of over 100 wildlife species, including endangered animals like the pileated gibbon, sun bear, and Asian elephant. As the first survey of its kind, these findings highlight the area’s critical conservation value, supporting efforts to prevent poaching and deforestation. By spotlighting this biodiversity, researchers hope to drive stronger protections for this vital sanctuary. I visited this incredible ecosystem earlier this year and we simply cannot lose it or the more than 500 animal species, including over 50 species listed on the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species, that call it home. 👉 Check out the footage for yourself: https://lnkd.in/esrbcw3E