Steph French’s Post

🌳 2,500 Volunteers Help Cardiff's Urban Forest Grow🌳 We've just experienced one of the wettest winters on record, but that hasn't deterred 2500 volunteers supporting our Coed Caerdydd project, planting an incredible 30,000 trees in just six months. Established in 2021 as part of Cardiff Council's One Planet Cardiff response to the climate emergency, the Coed Caerdydd project has gone from strength to strength resulting in the planting of 80,000 new trees across 280 different sites in Cardiff. From parks and open spaces to schools and community sites, the impact of this initiative is evident across the city. This season, our focus on street trees has intensified, with over 200 large new street trees planted in areas with low or no tree canopy cover. The benefits of this project extend far beyond environmental considerations; it fosters a sense of community engagement and empowerment. The dedication of our volunteers is commendable. Over 10,000 hours have been volunteered since the project's inception, showcasing the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. But our work doesn't stop with tree planting; there are plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the year. Whether it's assisting in the tree nursery or becoming a Tree Guardian to ensure the newly planted trees thrive, there's a role for everyone in this initiative. If you're interested in joining us or have suggestions for new planting sites, reach out to us at coedcaerdyddproject@cardiff.gov.uk. #CoedCaerdydd #UrbanForest #CommunityEngagement #ClimateAction

Community-based organizations often negotiate with private partners to use their natural resources in return for income, jobs, or other benefits. How do these communities know if the deal that they are being offered is good or not? That is the question we seek to answer with our partners SULi - IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group with a questionnaire aimed at people closely involved with community conservation. Find out more about the survey in our blog, and answer our survey (link at the bottom of the blog) if you work for/with a community-based organization!  https://lnkd.in/dxBmM4js

I found this article worth reading! It not only denotes the importance of community forests and how they face illegal logging and land conversion, but also exposes a critical vision by acknowledging that, although REDD+ projects are not perfect, are a way to recognize communities’ efforts to conserve forests and preserve their rich cultural heritage. 🌱

Community-based organisations often negotiate with private partners to use their natural resources in return for income, jobs or other benefits. How do these communities know if the deal that they are being offered is good or not? That is the question we are seeking to answer with our partners SULi - IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group with a questionnaire aimed at people who are closely involved with community conservation. Find out more about the survey in our blog, and answer our survey (link at the bottom of the blog) if you work for/with a community-based organisation! https://lnkd.in/d4Kg6xRt

The Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust, or ‘WCEET’, is a collaboration between Mercury Power and the conservation groups that were involved in the re-consenting process for the company’s Waikato River dams. Together they manage an enhancement fund that supports efforts to environmentally compensate for the dams’ impact. WCEET’s financial support has had a hugely positive impact on the Waikato and Lake Taupo catchments since it was established two decades ago – its funding of 300+ conservation projects has collectively enhanced 2600+ hectares of wetland and 2600+ hectares of riparian habitat, with 2.43 million natives planted and predator control applied to 7200+ hectares. “We’ve supported some truly inspirational volunteer groups, landowners and businesses dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environment,” said Trust Chair Gwyn Verkerk. “Without any promotion, our funding rounds are always over-subscribed. So we’ve set up the WCEET Fund with Momentum Waikato, as both a new investment income stream in its own right, and to provide an easy way for the public to donate towards the expansion and long-term sustainability of this crucial local conservation funding.” Read more https://lnkd.in/gChXwqBV

Kawartha Land Trust purchases 1,400-acre nature reserve along Pigeon Lake: The Peterborough, Ont.-based land conservation charity Kawartha Land Trust has purchased the Hammer Family Nature Preserve, the largest conservation property in the organization’s 22-year history. "On Monday in Lakehurst in the Municipality of Trent Lakes, officials announced the purchase of the property which consists of 1,400 acres of forests, wetlands, fields and natural shoreline along the east side of Pigeon Lake in the municipality. The purchase was assisted by $2.9 million from Ontario’s Greenlands Conservation Partnership, a $38-million program which helps conserve ecologically important natural areas. The Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund and private donors also provided funding support. Kawartha Land Trust executive director John Kintare says the purchase of the land will ensure its future protection and provide more opportunities for public access and nature connection." Comment: A fabulous acquisition. Shoreline property along the Kawartha Lakes needs protection from residential and cottage development.

Conservation efforts and programmes can make a huge impact on local communities. Here are 5 reasons why conservation efforts neet to support community livelihoods.👇 World Economic Forum 🔗: https://lnkd.in/eGunqwj4

Reconciling conservation and community development goals is among the strategies to sustain human-wildlife coexistence

How Philanthropy is Preserving the Environment When it comes to land conservation, it’s not the government that must always step in to ensure #environmental protection. This can even be true on public lands owned by the government. The federal government owns about 27% of all #land in the U.S., most of which it manages via the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. Of the privately owned lands, according to the American Geographical Society, “63% … are farms and ranches, while 32% are forests.” The dwindling elk population is an excellent example for #philanthropy to rally towards #solutions. Tying this with a market-based approach that not only saves the animals but protects private property rights, encourages #freemarket wins and creates #jobs and a win for #sustainability. Here is a link to Philanthropy Roundtable's article published in Nov 2023: https://lnkd.in/eupnSbgE Madeline Fry Schultz Washington Examiner Brian Yablonski Kim Dennis SEARLE FREEDOM TRUST Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) Todd Myers Washington Policy Center Clarice Smith Malka Groden Christopher Tullar Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) Plastic Bank SC Johnson #ranchers #economy #canada #russia #china #montana #london #hawaii #brazil #portland #valuesbasedleadership #valueinvesting #conservation #elk #philanthropymatters #savetheplanet #climateaction #protection #propertyrights #freemarkets #preservation #nature #farms #ranchers #forest #naturebasedsolutions

Residents Unite for Possum Control! Residents of Wyllie Road in Warkworth have come together to tackle their possum problem, showcasing a strong community commitment to protecting their environment. This initiative was sparked by a local resident who sought possum control advice from The Forest Bridge Trust at the Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show Recognising the potential of a collective effort, Trudy rallied her neighbours to form a predator control group. The response was overwhelmingly positive. With support from The Forest Bridge Trust, traps are now being set up on most properties at the top of Wyllie Road. Residents are maintaining these traps, all with the shared goal of safeguarding native species. Crucial funding was received in October 2023 from the Rodney Local Board via Auckland Council,aimed at supporting areas of ecological value within Rodney that require intensive possum control. This funding allows for the deployment of 450 Flipping Timmy’s and 13 AT220 traps by June 2024, not only on Wyllie Road but also in other ecologically diverse areas needing protection. Possums pose a severe threat to New Zealand's biodiversity, consuming vast amounts of native vegetation and preying on birds and insects. The Wyllie Road initiative, supported by TFBT, demonstrates the power of community action in tackling environmental challenges. Hopefully, this effort serves as an inspiring model for other communities to follow. #conservation #newzealand #communityaction #conservationheros Auckland Council