Columbia Land Trust’s Post

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝘁𝗵 - 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗲’𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲! 𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗲! Did you know that nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend on animal pollination? Bees and other pollinators play a vital role in our ecosystems, contributing to food security and biodiversity conservation. As we approach World Bee Day on May 20th, let's not only celebrate these remarkable creatures but also take action to protect them. This year's theme, "Bee engaged with Youth," emphasizes the importance of involving young people in beekeeping and pollinator conservation efforts. By educating and inspiring each other, we can all ensure a sustainable future for our planet! 𝗪𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 – 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗶𝗽! ▸ 'No Mow May' where the public are asked to not mow their lawns to allow wildflowers to grow to provide pollen and nectar as food for all pollinating insects – every little helps! Join us in raising awareness and taking steps to safeguard our pollinators! #TKHSecurity #WorldBeeDay #PollinatorProtection #YouthEngagement #BeeConservation

Conserving ecosystems like the one depicted means protecting the diversity of plant life, which in turn supports various insect species and pollinators. These pollinators are crucial for the reproduction of many plants, leading to the growth of new plants that provide food and shelter for various animals. This photo provides a small window into the importance of preserving all levels of biodiversity, from the smallest wildflower to the largest ecosystems. It reminds us that conservation efforts protect not just individual species but the intricate web of life that sustains us all.

In November of 2023, Rainforest Trust conducted an anonymous survey of its conservation implementing partners in 50 countries around the globe.  As a leading funder of local and national conservation NGOs in the tropics and subtropics of the Global South, Rainforest Trust works with organizations around the world to create legally recognized, protected or conserved areas for biodiversity conservation, climate stabilization, and people. The goal of this survey—the first of an annual series—was to understand our partners’ collective perspectives on the current state of global conservation. We wanted to hear more—in their own words—about the strategies our partners employ to achieve successful conservation results, collaborate with Indigenous and local communities, and address the most significant barriers to conservation. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3VTVLd6

🐮 We use cows and ponies to support biodiversity. Here's how:  Species rich grasslands, if left ungrazed, usually develop into less biodiverse grasslands, scrub or even woodland depending on soil type and nearby seed source. These are often more common and don’t support the same species of plants and insects. Grazing animals: ➡️ tend to eat the lusher species, giving a competitive edge to finer plants and flowers ➡️ uptake nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, stopping them from going back into the soil. This means more aggressive plants can’t force out the rare ones which thrive in low nutrient conditions Plus, by using native and rare breeds we’re helping protect domestic animals - not just wild ones! Find out more about conservation grazing on our website. Link in the comments. #ScotClimateWeek

Guadalupe Island: The Ecological Impact of Invasive Goats The Guadalupe Island, located off the west coast of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. This island became infamous for being overrun by feral goats. The goats were originally introduced in the 19th century by whalers and sealers who intended them as a source of food. However, over time, the goat population grew uncontrollably due to the absence of natural predators. Their overgrazing severely damaged the island's vegetation, leading to soil erosion and threatening the habitat of native plant and animal species, some of which were endangered or unique to the island. In response to this ecological crisis, the Mexican government and conservation organizations initiated efforts to remove the goats from Guadalupe Island. By the early 2000s, these efforts had largely succeeded, allowing the island's ecosystem to begin the process of recovery.

In a heartening tale of ecological resilience, the arapaima, one of Earth's largest freshwater fish, is making a remarkable comeback in the Amazon, thanks to the stewardship of local communities. The arapaima's story is a testament to the power of sustainable practices and community-led conservation efforts. Once on the brink of extinction due to overfishing, the arapaima populations have soared by 600 percent in areas where sustainable fishing practices have been adopted. This success underlines how traditional knowledge, when combined with scientific methods, can lead to extraordinary outcomes for biodiversity conservation. The resurgence of the arapaima not only bolsters the health of the Amazon's ecosystems but also brings socioeconomic benefits to local communities. Improved fish stocks have led to increased incomes, and the reinvestment in local infrastructure demonstrates a virtuous cycle of conservation and community development. This story is a beacon of hope, showing that with concerted efforts, it is possible to reverse the decline of endangered species. It also highlights a broader lesson: when we empower local communities to manage their natural resources, we can achieve sustainable outcomes that benefit both people and the planet. As we continue to face global biodiversity loss, the arapaima's rebound is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through community engagement and respect for indigenous knowledge. It's a narrative that should inspire similar conservation initiatives around the world. For more on this inspiring conservation success story, visit [National Geographic](https://buff.ly/4bYfUnu). #ArapaimaComeback #CommunityConservation #SustainableFishing

Restoring wilderness in areas of Scotland, Scandinavia and Spain would help to raise the continent's biodiversity, which has sharply declined over the past 200 years. Restoring Scotland's natural landscapes could be crucial to help the U.K. meet its biodiversity targets. As almost a sixth of the U.K.'s wildlife is threatened with extinction, it's more important than ever to give nature places to thrive. Rewilding is one part of the solution, which looks to restore natural processes that allow ecosystems to regulate themselves. #Rewilding #RewildingEurope #Scotland #Spain #Scandinavia https://lnkd.in/eF9NcACf

Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and birds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollination is crucial for the survival of our ecosystems, with nearly 90% of wild flowering plant species and over 75% of the world's food crops relying on animal pollination. These pollinators are essential for food security and biodiversity conservation. To raise awareness of their importance, the UN designated May 20th as World Bee Day. This year's theme, "Bee Engaged with Youth," emphasizes the role of young people in beekeeping and pollinator conservation. By involving youth, we aim to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders and ensure the sustainability of our ecosystems. Let's work together to protect our pollinators and secure a healthier future for all. #Worldbeeday #2024 # promiseofcommmons #Beeengaged

From local conservation efforts that are having a dramatic impact on the Amazon, to the discovery of a species once thought lost, here are some 2023 highlights about how nature and human well-being are intertwined — and what it takes to protect them.

More mangroves more mud crabs / mangrovecrabs #scylla #Agrata #aquaculture #conservation #ESG #crustaceans #resourcemanagement #mudcrabs #mangrovecrabs