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What happened to Europe’s Oyster Reefs   “Human activities have affected the ocean for centuries… this makes it difficult to discover what our marine ecosystems used to look like, which in turn hampers conservation and recovery” said Dr Ruth Thurstan, from the University of Exeter and part of the Convex Seascape Survey   Once upon a time, extensive oyster reefs flourished along Europe’s coasts, forming intricate ecosystems that spanned over 1.7 million hectares—from the chilly waters of Norway to the warmth of the Mediterranean—supporting a tapestry of nearly at least 200 marine species and playing a crucial role in shoreline stabilisation, nutrient cycling, and water filtration.   These incredible reefs vanished due to overfishing and human activities, leaving behind a flat, muddy seafloor.   Initiatives like The Wild Oyster Project, driven by ZSL are looking to restore these marine habitats. However, restoration efforts need to be scaled up with support from governments and other decision makers.   🔗 Dive deeper with the full study in Nature Sustainability: https://lnkd.in/gnvrNQTf   #ConvexSeascapeSurvey #UniversityOfExeter #BlueMarineFoundation #Oysters #RestoreMarineHabitats #Overfishing

Did you know green sea turtles start their egg-laying season in January? 🪺 Green sea turtles emerge from the sea on Galápagos beaches to lay their eggs. 🐢🏝️ Following 5 facts about the egg-laying season in Galápagos! 1. Nesting Rituals: The green sea turtles select specific areas on beaches for their nesting rituals, showcasing a distinctive and deliberate process. 2. Egg-laying Behavior: Green sea turtles carefully excavate holes in the sand, depositing their eggs with great precision. 3. Seasonal Migration: turtles navigate the ocean currents to reach their designated nesting sites. 4. Conservation Efforts: Galápagos authorities actively engage in conservation initiatives to protect and preserve these nesting areas, ensuring a conducive environment for the sea turtles. 5. Life Cycle Significance: The egg-laying season is a critical phase in the life cycle of green sea turtles, contributing significantly to the preservation of their species and the overall biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands. #Galapagos #sustainability #conservation #Leadersforchange

Chumash Heritage Sanctuary: A New Era of Indigenous-led Marine Protection NOAA has designated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, the third largest in the U.S., covering 4,543 square miles off the coast of Central California. This sanctuary conserves the region's rich marine biodiversity and celebrates the deep cultural heritage of the Chumash Peoples, who have lived along this coastline for over 13,000 years. The new sanctuary protects diverse habitats, from kelp forests to underwater canyons, and enhances habitat connectivity critical for migratory species like humpback whales. It will also sequester blue carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. A key feature of the sanctuary is its Indigenous-led co-stewardship model, where Chumash knowledge and history play a central role in its management and conservation. This designation not only fosters sustainable tourism, responsible recreation, and community collaboration but also strengthens the area as a hub for research and conservation. The sanctuary connects California’s network of marine protected areas, helping safeguard marine biodiversity for future generations. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gmcX4qSe Press release: https://lnkd.in/gqw3q4D4 #ChumashSanctuary #MarineConservation #IndigenousStewardship #IndigenousLeadership #MPA

26 July is #MangroveDay ! Let's remember today that the protection of mangroves is essential to the planet's future, as they act as a natural coastal defense against storms, tsunamis, rising sea levels & erosion. UNESCO is engaged deeply in supporting the conservation of mangroves, while advancing the sustainable development of their local communities. The inclusion of mangroves in Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites and UNESCO Global Geoparks contributes to improving the knowledge, management and conservation of mangrove ecosystems throughout the world. https://lnkd.in/gkC5EY53 #Biodiversity #ForNature UNESCO is engaged at the scientific and policy levels to protect, manage or restore global blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, seagrasses and tidal/salt marshes) for addressing climate change. Healthy blue carbon ecosystems also provide habitat for marine species, support fish stocks and food security, sustain coastal communities and livelihoods, filter water flowing into our oceans and reef systems, and protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges.

🌊 Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the second session of the Coral Reef Restoration Citizens Science Program organized by National University of Singapore and WWF-Singapore at St. Jhons Island National Marine Laboratory. It was an amazing experience to contribute to such an important cause that I hold close to my heart 💙 🐠 Did you know that coral reefs offer coastal protection, fish habitat, and ecological balance while supporting global livelihoods? Unfortunately, nearly 95% of Southeast Asia’s coral reefs are under threat due to climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. These stressors often lead to coral bleaching, with some corals recovering slowly or not at all. 🌊Together, we can make a difference in the conservation of our oceans and the sustainability of our planet. Join me in supporting marine conservation, volunteering, and coral restoration efforts. #marineconservation #volunteer #coralrestoration #ecology #sustainability #coralreefs #climatechange

Today is World Environment Day 🌏 This year's theme is #GenerationRestoration, and for over 40 years, Nature Foundation has been conserving, restoring, and protecting Australian landscapes, flora, and fauna to ensure their survival for future generations. Our nature reserves comprise almost 40% of all private protected areas in South Australia and 6% nationally, and we aim to double this impact by 2030, encompassing a range of habitats and ecosystems across our diverse landscapes. We work in close collaboration with Traditional Custodians across our nature reserves, respecting and valuing their cultural knowledge and practices in land management. We aim to expand, enhance, and empower Aboriginal Australians in this crucial role. We implement science-based conservation projects designed to benefit biodiversity in all nature reserves, enabling us to protect a broad cross-section of Australia's spectacular natural environment. We are dedicated to creating more critical refuges for Australian wildlife and envision a nature-positive future. In this future, biodiversity is secure, and our life-support system is thriving forever. Your support is vital in making this vision a reality. Our environment is critical to the survival and well-being of our unique flora, fauna, and ourselves. Thank you for supporting our vision and mission. We are #GenerationRestoration. 📸 Witchelina Nature Reserve #WorldEnvironmentDay #WorldEnvironmentDay2024

Today is Earth Day – we asked our Director of Conservation Dr Jennifer Lalley what she feels Earth Day is all about. Here’s what she said: “Earth.  If we each take a moment today to feel into the power and beauty of this extraordinary planet and what this means to us individually, perhaps we can help shift humanity’s greater sense of gratitude and united responsibility for Earth. For you, the moment might evoke a connection with a particular  mountain, a coral reef, uninterrupted grasslands, or that feeling of smallness during the recent solar eclipse that graced the northern hemisphere. For those of us at Natural Selection, it will be African savannahs teaming with wildlife, silent desert landscapes adorned with the distant figure of an elephant, or the life giving waters of the Okavango Delta. For us, every day is Earth Day and we ask that you join us on our journey to make this planet a better place where natural wonders can thrive. We remain steadfast, committed, and heart driven in running meaningful conservation programmes and camps that tread lightly and give generously.” To learn more, have a look at our updated impact report: https://lnkd.in/eDCd9VZM

l Today, on July 26th, we recognize the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. Mangroves are extraordinary ecosystems that benefit both the environment and human communities. Mangroves ensure the well-being, food security, and protection of coastal communities worldwide. These ecosystems act as natural barriers against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels, and erosion. Additionally, they serve as vital nurseries for fish and crustaceans, supporting a rich diversity of marine life. One of the most remarkable features of mangroves is their ability to act as carbon sinks. Their soils store vast amounts of carbon, making them essential in the fight against climate change. However, despite their importance, mangroves are disappearing at an alarming rate—three to five times faster than global forest losses. In the past 40 years, mangrove coverage has halved, leading to significant ecological and socio-economic repercussions. UNESCO is committed to the protection and restoration of mangrove ecosystems through initiatives like Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites, and Global Geoparks. These efforts aim to enhance scientific understanding and sustainable management of mangroves, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Together, we can make a difference. #UNESCO #UN #UNESCOBMW #ReWIND #MangroveConservation #ClimateAction

ReLeaf Saba| 🌱 🌳 While the ReLeaf Saba project team were planting trees along Fort Bay Road, a friendly passerby shouted, “almond trees,” while driving to their destination. Fort Bay Road is now lined with eight species of trees, from the humble ‘leaf of life’ to the towering almond tree. Through the ‘Healthy and resilient marine and coastal ecosystems through reforestation of Sint Eustatius and Saba’ project, the Saba Conservation Foundation is able to improve the protection and restoration of the shoreline and other ecologically important areas, which improves ecosystem services, biodiversity, and the island’s economic resilience. #ReLeaf #Reforestation #Saba - Expertise France European Commission