The global conservation movement has reached a turning point. The fast pace of habitat loss has been documented, along with the growing number of endangered and extinct species and the increasing speed of global climate change.
Yet, while the seriousness of these threats cannot be denied, there are a growing number of examples of improvements in the health of species and ecosystems, along with benefits to human well-being, thanks to our conservation actions. The Smithsonian’s Earth Optimism celebrates a change in focus from problem to solution, from a sense of loss to one of hope, in the dialogue about conservation and sustainability.
On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, four students and alumni from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) are participating in the Earth Optimism digital event 2020. On Friday 24th April at 08:00 EST, 12:00 in the UK, everyone is encouraged to join a virtual panel discussion of conservationists to celebrate the success of inspirational practitioners who build capacity for conservation.
The workshop provides a great opportunity to learn from and provide encouragement to your fellow conservationists. Panellists comprise members of WildHub, a new global community of conservation professionals, and include alumni Dr Trang Nguyen, Founder and Director of WildAct, Vietnam, and named as one of the BBC’s 100 Women of the Year, 2019, Kate Vanelli, Program Director of Global Conservation Corps, US, Shaleen Attre, Co-founder of IndianSnakes, India, and current PhD student and event organiser Thirza Loffeld, Community Manager for WildHub, UK.
You can register in advance for the meeting and also submit questions here.
The Earth Optimism digital summit begins on Earth Day 2020 (22nd April) from 18:00 EST or 22:00 in the UK and will be streamed both on the official website and on Facebook Live, Twitter and YouTube. Details of the schedule are available here.
Anyone can join the Earth Optimism digital summit showcasing stories of both small and large-scale actions, framing the conversation and demonstrating that success is possible.