Shedd Aquarium’s Post

Curious about the IUCN Motions process? Today at 7pm AEDT: IUCN is hosting a webinar on the submission of motions to our World Conservation Congress 2025. Until 15 January 2025, IUCN Members can submit motions on issues relating to conservation and sustainability. As the only international conservation forum that brings governments, civil society and Indigenous Peoples’ organisations to the same table, the IUCN Members Assembly at the World Conservation Congress carries a powerful mandate. Motions are the mechanism by which IUCN Members influence third parties and guide the policy and Program of IUCN. Members vote to approve motions, and once adopted, they become Resolutions and Recommendations, and therefore the body of IUCN’s general policy. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gbcD9z2S https://lnkd.in/gpbVqF9a

A really interesting lunchtime #webinar on the meaning of the 30 by 30 #conservation #commitment, co-hosted by the Ecological Restoration and Habitat Creation SIG and Marine and Coastal SIG of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). The amount of #marine area that #Ireland is responsible is absolutely incredible. Donal Griffin's takeaway message was that although excellent #progress has been made in designating Marine Protected Areas (#MPAs) in Ireland, it looks like there's still a long way to go and it's difficult to tell whether Ireland will meet the target. There also needs to be a focus on not just setting conservation objectives, but also on the quality of new and existing conservation objectives. Something that struck me during the webinar, and I'm furious with myself for not remembering who specifically mentioned it, was emphasis on how this target should be interpreted as an "at least" 30 by 30 conservation commitment. Conservation is a fickle business and it can be difficult to predict and monitor the progress and effectiveness of implemented measures. Aiming above the target means the target is far more likely to be truly met and it's a method that should be applied across the board. Thanks to all the speakers for their #insights! #CIEEMLunchtimeChats #CIEEMLunchtimeWebinar #30x30 #30by30 #atleast30by30 #atleast30x30 #conservationcommitment #ecology #ecologicalrestoration #environment

Our #NewPaper has been published in support of Indigenous-led conservation, such as Guardians Programs, Territories of Life and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. This latest paper from the University of Guelph People, Plants and Policy Lab 🌿 was led by Dr. Jessica Lukawiecki. This research builds upon the earlier foundational studies of Dr. Nancy Turner, CM, OBC, PhD, FRSC, FLS and many Indigenous Knowledge Holders across Turtle Island on the conservation of cultural keystone species (CKS) in traditional territories. We found that CKS, rather than being viewed as objects for conservation, can be understood as ongoing relationship(s) between the cultural and ecological, which are intimately tied to language, knowledge, practices, and places in ways that are deeply interconnected. Therefore, one cannot effectively protect CKS species, such as caribou or salmon or grizzly bears, without also protecting the ancient relationships that Indigenous Peoples have to that species - such as cultural burning, fishing, harvesting and other customary forms of Indigenous-led stewardship of wildlife. The paper is #OpenAccess and can be downloaded here: https://lnkd.in/gP-dgm3N #decolonizedConservation #biocultural with Dr. Robin Roth

With key input from language academics and Zulu professional bird guides, Buchmann et al. have established isiZulu names for all South African bird species, to promote more inclusive life science education and conservation. https://buff.ly/3WW3xn6 #SDG4 #SDG15 BirdLife South Africa

🌊🐧 On this World Penguin Day, we highlight the Galápagos Penguin, the world's only northerly penguin species found exclusively in the Galápagos islands. However, these penguins are facing challenges such as declining populations due to changing ocean conditions and the presence of introduced predators. 🌎 As we commemorate World Penguin Day, let's also recognize the importance of conservation efforts to protect these amazing birds and their marine ecosystem. Global collaboration and local commitment are essential to ensuring a secure future for the Galápagos Penguins. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/euXJJfWF

Business planning for next month? Maybe next year? Try some next century tree planning from the Royal Forestry Society. This a fantastic example of a Train Hugger case study and how complicated tree planting in the UK can be. Royal Forestry Society

A big thanks to one of our viewers for this topic suggestion! We kick off February by discussing the Species Survival Program (SSP) and it’s role in conservation success. Visit https://lnkd.in/eNSMhhnb to read our weekly blog posts! Have a topic of interest? Let us know in the comment section below!

What if we did nothing? In a recent study, the African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG) took a look at the IUCN Green Status for the black rhino, which measures how close a species is to being fully ecologically functional across its range and how much it has recovered thanks to conservation actions. Check out our summary of their findings in our latest blog. https://lnkd.in/eSqMHMxC

🌍 Curious about the impact of the world's protected areas on species preservation and the broader effects of #conservation on communities? If these critical #biodiversity questions resonate with you, our MSc Conservation Science and Practice course is the perfect fit. This programme is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the field of conservation. Learn more about the course here ➡ https://buff.ly/4fNGiCy

What if we did nothing? The numbers speak for themselves: 6487 black rhino (with conservation action) versus 296 black rhino (without conservation action). The conservation action for Black Rhino must continue to maintain and increase these numbers. This study (detailed below) measured how close a species (the black rhino) is to being fully ecologically functional across its range and how much it has recovered thanks to conservation. There are so many donors, conservationists, rangers, scientists, communities, academics, and more committed to these conservation actions.