Montana's landscape beguiles as it unfolds. The kind of sheer beauty that could stop traffic if there were traffic to stop. The scale is hard to exaggerate.It's a state roughly the size of California with roughly the population of greater Fresno just north of 1 million. Montanants speak fondly of their neighbors who might live 50 m away. As for the land itself, it's not mere real estate.It's there for recreation, a corridor for wildlife. It's symbolic, too. The open frontier is an emblem of freedom and poss ...

“Musicians have strong reservations about Brazil’s proposal.” @brookeunger tells “The Intelligence” how a wood used in bows pits players against conservationists https://t.co/QOmdRnaEW5 https://t.co/CwsH64qWBq ...

[music] I'm often asked, how would you describe yourself. A lifelong learner, a free will traveler, environmentalist, a conservationist, or an ocean advocate. And often I pause to think and then I always inevitably choose to be an oceans's advocate. And why I choose to be an ocean advocate lies from my childhood to the way my career has shaped the way I have shaped.Let me take you back. Let me take you to decades ago when I was a child holding my father's hand standing at the railway station waving goodbyes ...

Environmental Impact & Challenges - Western Ghats, a 1,600 kilometer mountain chain, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich biodiversity, but faces threats from deforestation, mining, and encroachment [3][4][5] - Forest cover in western Maharashtra districts has fallen to 1869%, and in Nashik district, it is at 716%, leading to rising heat, drier summers, and crop losses [5] - Loss of forest cover results in water scarcity, nutrition insecurity, and threats to livelihoods, highlighting the interconnectedness of forests, rivers, and human well-being [6][7] Conservation Efforts & Initiatives - Raha Foundation has created conservation structures holding up to 1 billion liters of water annually, benefiting 110 villages and reducing the distance tribal citizens walk for water to 15 minutes [9] - The organization aims to create a green eco-corridor on the Western Ghats, linking wildlife sanctuaries and national parks through ecological restoration [10] - The organization planted 2,500 native indigenous species on a 10-acre barren field, leading to ecological succession and biodiversity recovery [14] Project Outcomes & Community Involvement - An 81% increase in vegetated area has been observed in the working area, positively impacting farmers by raising water levels in wells and enabling multiple crop cycles [22] - The organization conserves 3,000 acres across 13 villages and has planted 300,000 saplings of native indigenous varieties [21] - The organization emphasizes community involvement, creating leaders and stewardship within the community to ensure the long-term survival and thriving of the forests [19][20] Future Goals & Vision - The organization aims to conserve and perform ecological restoration on 50,000 acres in Western Ghats by 2030, aligning with the Green India Mission [25]

Biodiversity and Conservation - Globally, over 20,000 butterfly species have been identified, highlighting the extensive biodiversity [1] - In India, more than 1,500 butterfly species are found, showcasing the country's rich natural heritage [1] - Even in the tough conditions of Rajasthan, 80 butterfly species have been recorded, demonstrating the adaptability of these insects [1] - The conservation of butterflies is crucial as they are an important part of the ecosystem, supporting its overall health [1] - Protecting butterflies also aids in the conservation of birds, as butterfly caterpillars are a vital source of high protein for young birds [1] Habitat and Environment - Wild plants and shrubs are essential habitats for butterflies and other insects, often overlooked in favor of trees [2] - The natural growth of wild plants is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, supporting various insects and animals [2] - The industry should prioritize preserving naturally grown plants and avoid unnecessary removal during development projects [4] - Integrating nature and culture, such as creating gardens based on Vedic traditions, can help connect people with the environment [4] Initiatives and Projects - A butterfly park was established in Patna in 2016, marking a significant step towards insect conservation [1] - The Flying Colors of Patna Zoo book documented 102 butterfly species within the zoo, supported by the Forest Department and the Chief Minister of Bihar [1] - An eco-system was developed in Muzzafarpur, Bihar, preserving existing wild plants and creating natural spaces for children to learn [2][3]

[music] [music] The line which you see on the slide, it says, "What if there were no stories. What would have happened to us as human beings. No connections, no drama, no suspense, no thrill, no life.What would have happened to the human race. That is the reason why we have stories. I think humans are the only creatures who tell the stories, who connect on stories and that is the reason why stories are so important in our lives.We are very fortunate as a as as a as a as a creatures or as a species that we c ...

Environmental Degradation & Restoration - The Grag grasslands, vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and supporting communities, are under increasing threat from land conversion, urbanization, overgrazing, invasive plants, and climate change [1] - Invasive plant species like Chromolaena and Mikania are choking native grasses, leading to significant degradation of the grasslands [1] - Restoration efforts are often misused, equated with simple tree planting or monoculture plantations of non-native species, which have limited benefits for biodiversity, soil, or dependent communities [1] - Effective restoration requires careful planning tailored to the specific needs of the site, thoughtful execution, and an understanding of ecosystem complexity [1] Restoration Strategies & Outcomes - A restoration project in Manas National Park, Assam, focused on bringing back native vegetation to revive the ecosystem [1] - Initial efforts involved manual removal of invasive plants, which proved to be an ecologically effective approach [2] - After the first year of removing invasive plants, native grasses were slow to return, but by the second year, signs of recovery were observed [2] - Approximately 500 hectares (1235.5 acres) of grasslands have been revived through continued efforts, leading to the return of natural vegetation and herbivores [2] Community Engagement & Data-Driven Approach - Restoration efforts were guided by data collection to quantify baselines and vegetation status, as well as the spread of invasive species [2] - Community consultations were conducted to incorporate the observations, lived experiences, and stories of people who have known the grasslands for generations, adding depth to the understanding beyond data alone [2] - Local communities and forest staff were involved in selecting the right species for planting to help the ecosystem regain its balance and accelerate natural recovery [2]

Norway will pledge $3 billion over 10 years for a key fund designed to support the conservation of endangered forests worldwide, according to people familiar with the matter https://t.co/jGoxdreqbC ...

Core Viewpoint - Alico Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to design and construct a wildlife underpass as part of the expansion of State Road 82 in Collier County, demonstrating the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation [1][3]. Group 1: Partnership and Investment - Alico has committed approximately $5 million towards the design and construction costs of the wildlife underpass [2]. - The underpass will be part of a proposed wildlife corridor linked to the Corkscrew Grove Villages project, enhancing wildlife movement between Collier, Lee, and Hendry counties [2][3]. Group 2: Project Details - The planned underpass will measure approximately 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall and will include fencing to reduce wildlife mortality along State Road 82 [3]. - Construction is expected to begin before the end of 2025, with completion anticipated in 2027, subject to final approvals [4]. Group 3: Environmental Impact - The underpass is expected to support the panther recovery plan by providing a permanent connection to the Caloosahatchee dispersal zone, with no additional cost to taxpayers [3]. - Alico has sold or entered easements to protect over 46,800 acres since 2003, contributing to the Florida Wildlife Corridor [7]. Group 4: Community Development - The Corkscrew Grove Villages project will cover approximately 4,600 acres and aims to create a thoughtfully planned community while protecting sensitive lands and improving water resources [6]. - Alico is seeking approval for the first of two planned villages, with construction on the first village potentially starting as early as 2028 [8].

Ecosystem & Biodiversity - Magdalena River ecosystem faces severe endangerment, with less than 15% of its original 4,000 square kilometers remaining [1] - The disappearance of these forests would lead to the extinction of unique species [1] - Biodiversity monitoring requires efficient data collection and analysis [2] Technology & Innovation - Project SPARROW utilizes AI to analyze recordings and measurements, transmitting data via satellite [3] - SPARROW is an open-source project, enabling collaborative improvement and usage by various stakeholders [4] - SPARROW devices facilitate real-time information access for biodiversity monitoring [5][6] Project Implementation & Impact - The deployment of SPARROW devices streamlines the information pipeline, providing daily data updates [5] - The project aims to revolutionize biodiversity monitoring globally [6]