Synchronicity Earth

🎉 We are celebrating 15 years of Synchronicity Earth! 🎉 To mark this anniversary, Nina Seale spoke to our founders Adam and Jessica Sweidan about the lessons and surprises from the journey so far, and what will be most important going forward.

The latest issue of Reimagining Philanthropy is out! At the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16 in Cali, Colombia, there was significant discussion about how emerging technology might help address the biodiversity crisis. This week’s issue summarises several opinion pieces (published by Public Works Partners, Knight Foundation, and Sustainable ICT (Defra)) about whether funding technology-centric solutions is distracting from systemic issues and people-led solutions to the problems philanthropy is trying to solve. #Philanthropy #Technology #Conservation

One-third of all fisheries are being exploited at unsustainable levels. 20% of global marine fisheries are in China, Thailand, and Vietnam. So, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has released a new report (a Situation Analysis) on what are called Unselective, Unsustainable, and Unmonitored (UUU)Trawl Fisheries, using these countries as case studies. Why does this matter? Bottom trawling – a highly destructive form of industrial fishing, where huge nets are dragged across the seafloor, collecting a vast harvest of ocean life – is just one example of UUU fishing. Huge numbers of marine species, including sharks, rays, and corals, are dying as a result. Not only are entire ecosystems at risk, but so are the commercial fisheries that millions of people rely on for food. The report identifies the challenges and opportunities to act as a guide for managing fishing operations – essential for maintaining marine biodiversity. Synchronicity Earth co-funded the report, and we're very excited to see it published! A big congratulations for all the hard work that went into this important piece of work, which will help guide better protecting our oceans. #WorldFisheriesDay #OceanConservation #Trawling Duncan Leadbitter yvonne sadovy

🌎 A historic step for biodiversity 🌿   In a groundbreaking decision, United Nations delegates at #COP16 in Cali, Colombia, decided to establish a subsidiary body that will bring Indigenous peoples into biodiversity decisions, affirming their vital role in environmental stewardship.   Members of our team were delighted to be accompanying Ju Kerexu (Comissão Guarani Yvyrupa - CGY Executive Coordinator) and Gabriela Pires (CGY’s legal advisor) in Cali. We support CGY alongside Size of Wales I Maint Cymru, The Gaia Foundation, and other Alliance for the Amazon and Beyond funders as part of our Biocultural Diversity Programme.   https://lnkd.in/dSCwHbZC Image description: Left to right: Gabriela Pirers, Ju Kerexu, and Grace Souza (Synchronicity Earth's Latin America affiliate) standing in front of the Cali COP16 logo. Title: UN establishes subsidiary body for Indigenous peoples to be included on conservation decisions. Subtitle: This decision recognises the traditional knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples and local communities and their contribution to nature conservation #IndigenousPeoples #UnitedNations #Conservation

Great news for the Guarani People from Brazil!    We are delighted to hear that the Indigenous Lands of Jaraguá, Peguaoty, Djaiko-aty, Amba Porã, Pindoty-Araça-Mirim, Tapy'i/Rio Branquinho, and Guaviraty, all located in the state of São Paulo, are closer to being officially recognised. We would like to congratulate our partner, the Comissão Guarani Yvyrupa - CGY, on a huge win for their important work.    However, there are still more lands waiting to be recognised, and so we continue to support CGY alongside Size of Wales I Maint Cymru, The Gaia Foundation, and other Alliance for the Amazon and Beyond funders.   https://lnkd.in/eUT8ye5Q #IndigenousPeoples #Brazil #Environment

How can funders balance trust and risk when leaning into more relationship-based approaches to philanthropy? The latest issue of Reimagining Philanthropy explores three myths around perceived risks and explores how more trust-based approaches can mitigate risk and lead to better relationships between funders and their partners. What other perceived risks can be treated with more understanding from funders? Let us know in the comments.

'More than just a meeting': Five brilliant lessons from the African Youth Summit on Food Systems and Agroecology! 🌽

🚨 Final chance to apply! 🚨 Applications close 9am GMT on Monday.

The culture of Cook Islanders is deeply intertwined with their land and waters. From the ‘vaka’ (voyage) tradition, using navigational techniques which have been passed down through generations, to the way they cultivate crops such as the ‘ūtū (king banana). Our partner Kōrero o te `Ōrau Inc. works with Cook Islands communities to revive and restore cultural traditions and conserve their natural environment. They particularly focus on connecting younger generations with the knowledge and practices of older generations. Meet Kōrero o te `Ōrau Inc. and some of the young people in their programme through their short films: https://lnkd.in/eXeeRFN3 Image description: Connecting to the culture of the Cook Islands. Bridging the generations within a culture deeply intertwined with the ocean. Image of Indigenous elder Danny Mataroa in ceremonial dress and inset image of Marumaru Atua, a traditional canoe of the Cook Islands, sailing the coast. #Conservation #Ocean #CookIslands

Wonderful words from Sheherazade (Shera) about her experience at #COP16, telling stories of community-led conservation from PROGRES Sulawesi. It has been such a pleasure to see so many of our partners engaged with COP16 and participating in events to use their experiences to help shape the global conservation movement.