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Freshwater springs support amazing ecosystems and reflect the health of aquifers humans rely on. What can we do to protect them?

Sara Van Note

March 19, 2019 |

Ensia |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chaves County, New Mexico

Freshwater springs are an indicator of the health and quality of our groundwater (drinking water), but their conservation is often overlooked in government funding. This article offers a few examples of ongoing efforts to protect them. One of those is the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico that has brought back several endangered species of snails and crustaceans in addition to native grasses as a result of their conservation.

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Farmers in Uttarakhand Look to the Past to Benefit the Future

Amrita Gupta

March 02, 2019 |

Earth Journalism Network |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: India, Uttarakhand

Mountains are particularly vulnerable to climate change, and a mountain city in India is finding sustainable solutions in traditional agriculture. Women overwhelmingly make up the farming workforce in Uttarakhand and are using a number of ways to combat the effects of the temperature increase. These solutions include bringing back an ancient grain, finger millet, to appeal to new tastes and dishes, storing seed banks of traditional varieties, and opening a cafe serving local food using the ancient grains to attract outside visitors.

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The orchid whisperers: Rare blooms find an urban perch

Eva Botkin-Kowacki

February 14, 2019 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Coral Gables, Florida

The Million Orchid Project has been reintroducing native, endangered plants into urban areas. From planting in school yards, to city parks, to the sides of busy roads, the initiative aims to preserve biodiversity by changing the assumption that nature has to be something separate from human society. While the project is still in early phases, it has shown indicators for progress, like the reappearance of wildlife species thought to have been extinct.

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Deer Wars: The Forest Awakens

Leslie Anthony

January 22, 2019 |

Hakai Magazine |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Canada, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

On the British Columbia group of islands called Haida Gwaii, a project called Restoring Balance is working to lessen invasive mammals and restore the ecosystem to what it once was. A key part of this was the targeted eradication of deer, which happened mostly through hunting and ambush stations. One year later, most are gone. Bit by bit, species by species, the removal of invasive animals has allowed the land to return to its native biodiversity and strengthen its ecosystem resilience.

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The Brazilian photographer and the 20-year reforestation project of over 2.7 million trees

Fino Menezes

January 17, 2019 |

BrightVibes |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Brazil, Aimorés, Minas Gerais

A Brazilian photographer and his wife set out to restore devastated land in the late 1990s by replanting the forest, which would in turn bring back the wildlife. To date the pair and their organization, Instituto Terra, have replanted more than 2 million trees, seen the return of over 500 different species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and flora, and brought back to life the 8 natural springs on the land. There only remains 10% of the land to restore, and at the same time they've also developed more than 700 educational projects that reach over 65,000 people across the nation.

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How African scientists are improving cassava to help feed the world

Amy Maxmen

January 08, 2019 |

Nature |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Nigeria, Ikenne

Cassava, a root plant that feeds and supports over 800 million people across the globe, is ready for an improvement. As part of the Next Generation Cassava Breeding project, scientists are exploring how to increase the plant’s yield and help it withstand climate conditions to feed more people. Through hydroponics and technological testing of seed varieties, cassava is finally getting the attention and funding it needs.

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‘We see its value': Ugandan communities benefiting from agroforestry

Deusdedit Ruhangariyo

December 11, 2018 |

Mongabay |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Uganda, Butanda

Communities across Uganda have been realizing the benefits of agroforestry, an old farming system that mimics natural ecosystems. Apart from creating a diverse, stable local food supply, the practice promotes soil health, bolsters biodiversity, creates wildlife habitat, and sequesters carbon. An NGO is working with communities to spread the practice across the region, with marked effect.

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Learning from the past: Japan's tree-planting efforts provide lessons for other countries

Nithin Coca

December 06, 2018 |

Ensia |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Japan

Nishiawakura, a village in Japan, was once the site of complete forest devastation due to the need for timber during and after World War II. Through trial and error, the country has learned what does and doesn't work when it comes to reforestation efforts. Now, their lessons are acting as a model for China, Pakistan and India as they turn their focus to reforestation.

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Indian tribe revives heirloom seeds for health and climate security

Sonali Prasad

November 30, 2018 |

Mongabay |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: India, Rayagada

The women of India's Dongria Kondhs, with some assistance from grassroots organizations, are leading an effort to move away from monoculture and back to lost seed varieties. A community can grow as many as 50 plant varietals on a single farm. Not only do such practices empower growers to navigate pests and climate change, but also to improve health.

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This Nonprofit Wants to Save Butterflies From Trump's Border Wall

Alan Thompson

November 19, 2018 |

NationSwell |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, San Antonio, Texas

Monarch butterfly populations, having declined around 90 percent over roughly 20 years, are getting a helping hand from cities like San Antonio. By providing crucial habitat and hosting butterfly-centered festivals, cities along the Monarch's route are aiding migration while boosting conservation awareness.

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