Ecotone Renewables’ Post

The Kennedy Center's international REACH to FOREST festival (February 20–March 3, 2024) explores the symbiotic relationship between forests and the human world with two weeks of free programs, films, art installations, conversations, and more. Forests have nourished humans for millennia. They cover 31% of the Earth’s land area and shelter over 80% of terrestrial biodiversity. More than 1.6 billion people depend on them for their livelihood. We’ve uncovered new dimensions of their wonder, from “forest bathing” to eco-tourism to pharmaceutical research. https://lnkd.in/gi9efJXE

For the Love of Lampreys - in honor of Valentines Day, learn a little bit more about these ancient fish species that inhabit our rivers and oceans. KEEN's 25 Blogs for 25 Years of Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe - here is blog #3 by Dave'y Lumley (KEEN Board Member). https://wix.to/oDUz6Bz #keen25blogsproject

It was a delight to reconnect with Dr. Nancy Knowlton, the founder of the #OceanOptimism movement. Dr. Knowlton, the former Sant Chair for Marine Science at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and a pivotal figure in the Census of Marine Life, has tirelessly contributed to our understanding and preservation of marine biodiversity. Her seminal work, Citizens of the Sea, and her role in establishing the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography underscore her unwavering commitment to the ocean’s myriad life forms. Now residing in Maine with her family, her journey continues to inspire and ignite a collective drive towards ocean conservation. Dr. Knowlton reminded me why #OceanOptimism is not just a movement but a necessary perspective shift. Optimism fuels action. While acknowledging the immense challenges our oceans face, the movement emphasizes a balanced narrative: recognizing the issues at hand and actively seeking solutions. We’re not being naive but putting emphasis on change. The focus is on a constructive approach—highlighting reasons for optimism and the crucial role everyone plays in the collective journey towards a solution. In recent years, signs of conservation efforts across the globe are showing there is growing effort to make a change. Each achievement, often the result of decades-long efforts, reinforce our resolve. As we face the daunting task of healing our oceans, the message is clear: the time for action is now. By moving beyond grief and embracing our potential for positive change, we hold the power to not only mitigate loss but to ensure a thriving ocean for generations to come. Let’s unite in our efforts to turn the tide for our oceans. Every action counts, and together, we can create a legacy of conservation and renewal. #OceanConservation #MarineBiodiversity #SustainableFuture

Seeing the phrase “in lieu of flowers” in an obituary is a common occurrence. But some people still really love flowers. The smell and beauty can bring comfort during the difficulty of navigating grief. However, there are still ways to send flowers and remain conscious of sustainability. In honor of upcoming Earth Day tomorrow, discover five creative solutions to consider in lieu of flowers: https://hubs.ly/Q02ttmGs0

Humanity’s relationship with Earth’s forests is long and complex. While some societies have preserved their understanding of the intricate connections within woodland ecosystems, others have lost sight of their importance as modern life has deepened the disconnect between humans and nature. How is science helping our modern, industrial culture reconnect with the intricate relationships that build Earth’s invaluable forests? In this episode, I welcome forest ecologist Suzanne Simard to explore the forces that shape forest ecosystems, from the critical role of biodiversity in nutrient dispersal among tree species to the worrisome implications of the monoculture and clear-cutting practices common in the timber industry. Watch: https://lnkd.in/gQJYEVAh What are the effects of extractive forest management techniques on trees that rely on cross-species networks to survive and thrive? How do indigenous societies, who have long understood these relationships, exist symbiotically with these magical ecosystems? What else does science not yet understand about forests that might help us navigate the ecological strain we’ve put on the biosphere?

May 22nd. International Day for Biological Diversity In a previous life, I was a man who couldn’t have cared less about biodiversity. Blind to the importance of the differences that bind us all together. But life has a way of opening your eyes when you least expect it. Today, biodiversity is not just a concept to me; its protection is the reason for my existence. Walking through the wild landscapes where Akashinga operates, our teams fight everyday to preserve the delicate balance of nature. We see the world through a lens of responsibility. Akashinga is on the frontlines, battling to protect biodiversity at a scale that aims to help tip the balance between survival and extinction. Each species we protect, each acre we defend, is a testament to our commitment to our shared planet. As a father of three, I look at my children and realise that their future is inextricably linked to the health of nature. We are not separate from this intricate system; we are a part of it. The richness of biodiversity is what sustains us, and if we hope to endure, we must fight for what’s right. This International Day for Biological Diversity, please take a moment to reflect that we are participants in a vast and beautiful system that is much bigger than ourselves. Let’s honour that system. For our future, for ourselves, and for the countless sentient beings and species that call this planet home. Akashinga

💙I absolutely love working on these Ocean Vision posts for Ocean. Now! with Dr. Andrea Geipel and Meike Schützek, using design language defined by Viktoria Spokojna. 🔮We badly need more imagination, inspiration and motivating optimism when it comes to environmental storytelling for change. And this social media series was designed to offer exactly that. This edition was originally posted in German (Ocean. Now! communicates in DE and EN), so here’s the English version for the global community. For the German version head to Ocean. Now!‘s page. *** 🐠 Ocean Visions 2: Let’s imagine positive change, celebrate happy wins for the ocean and feel connected to nature together! Swipe to explore, then discover more details below: 1. The best way to encourage conservation isn’t to write obituaries for the planet but to share our success stories, says Nancy Knowlton. Check out this inspiring article published in 2017 in NATURE 🙌🏻 2. Hooray! Dominica creates world’s first marine protected area for sperm whales🐋 3.Marine Biologist and ocean pioneer Sylvia Earl reminds us that the ocean touches us with every breath we take, every drop we drink and every bite we consume. We need to remember this deep connection to the sea and help the ocean 🌊 🌱 What is your success story for the future of the ocean? #oceanconservation #biodiversity #conservation #communication

The quote "In nature, nothing exists alone" reflects the interconnectedness of all things within the natural world. This idea is foundational to ecological thinking, which recognizes that every plant, animal, and microorganism is part of a vast network of relationships that make up ecosystems. For humans, who are indeed part of nature, this interconnectedness means we are not just in relation to other humans but to all living and non-living elements of the Earth. Our "companions," then, are manifold and include the flora and fauna with which we share our environment, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that grows our food. This perspective encourages a view of humans not as separate from or superior to nature, but as integral components of the natural world, with responsibilities toward it. From a broader ecological or philosophical perspective, humans are companions to every element of the natural world, suggesting a relationship that should be characterized by respect, stewardship, and sustainability.

Earth Day is April 22. Just before going full-time at the library, I was tasked by HarperCollins Christian Publishing to adapt Betsy Painter's book, A Christian's Guide to Planet Earth, for a younger audience. All of Creation addresses the timely topics of conservation and climate change through a new, faith-based lens, encouraging readers to take practical steps to care for our world. From conservation to protecting endangered species to sustainable living, All of Creation offers young readers accessible and fascinating information on the challenges our planet faces and practical ways we can care for the magnificent world around us. Drawing on science and Scripture, this hope-filled and kid-friendly guide to planet Earth addresses our most pressing questions about caring for and respecting God's world, such as: - What are the biggest challenges our planet faces, and what impact do they have on our lives? - What guidance does the Bible offer to help us navigate environmental issues such as pollution, food shortages, and deforestation? - What simple choices can we make to help restore and protect God's creation?   Gorgeously detailed illustrations throughout highlight the beauty of the natural world, while practical tips and activities at the end of each chapter show how we can become better stewards of the Earth and support efforts that make a positive difference in the world. If you are looking for a book that helps kids and families understand our collective responsibility toward the earth, this is a good one.

Finally a chance to ask all the questions you have about "co-design" in the #OceanDecade24 - What is it? Why do it? Where do I start?