CSR And Biodiversity

A poacher’s paradise becomes a haven for wildlife In northern Kyrgyzstan, once a stronghold of illegal hunting, roe deer are returning to the highlands. Conservationists now count over 250 individuals where there were just 33 a decade ago. The resurgence isn’t due to sweeping government enforcement or outside intervention—it’s the work of villagers, reports Sonam Lama Hyolmo. A network of community-based conservancies, supported by local NGOs, is quietly reshaping conservation in Kyrgyzstan’s rugged backcountry. Shumkar-Tor, one of the country’s earliest such efforts, began in 2012 in the wake of political upheaval and post-Soviet resource collapse. What started as survival-driven hunting turned into a conservation crisis as wildlife populations plummeted. To counter the decline, organizations like the Ilbirs Foundation began training residents to monitor wildlife, supplying GPS trackers, patrol gear, and walkie-talkies. Today, over 80 locals across 10 conservancies patrol vast territories on foot, horseback, and, increasingly, with digital tools like SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool). “The local community’s ownership and attitude shift towards species conservation has made this possible,” says Zairbek Kubanychbekov, Ilbirs’s director. Villagers’ deep knowledge of terrain and wildlife gives them an edge over poachers—and overstate-employed rangers, of whom there are too few to cover the immense landscapes effectively. These grassroots patrols have led to fines and arrests: for illegal logging, the shooting of marmots and partridges, and even the seizure of 3.5 tons of illegally harvested Persian onions. At Jashyl-Oroon conservancy, which spans 250,000 hectares, camera traps and GPS-enabled patrols have improved response times and increased deterrence. But challenges persist. Poachers often use thermal imaging tools and carry weapons. Some are rumored to have ties to officials. Yet local volunteers are less vulnerable to intimidation—they’re unpaid and unafraid of losing jobs. To bolster frontline efforts, the Ministry of Natural Resources is digitizing wildlife trade records and improving coordination with border agencies. An electronic database now verifies species permits under CITES, a global conservation treaty. Conservation in Kyrgyzstan remains fragile. But in the mountains where snow leopards roam and red deer graze, the steady return of wildlife suggests something rare: a community-driven effort not just to survive, but to restore. 📰 Mongabay News: https://lnkd.in/gVr4yhpD

Two Villages, One Lesson: The Power of Communities in Sustaining the Environment What can two villages—separated by geography, culture, and history—teach us about sustainability? At first glance, very little. One is a medieval English village nestled in the Cotswolds. The other is a tribal village hidden in the hills of Meghalaya. Yet both offer perhaps the most powerful lesson for our climate-challenged world: “Environmental sustainability begins with communities—not policies alone.” Castle Combe, often called the "Prettiest Village in England," has preserved its natural and architectural heritage for centuries through strict conservation rules, responsible tourism, and community stewardship. Its timeless charm shows how communities can preserve heritage while embracing sustainability. Mawlynnong, known as "Asia's Cleanest Village," demonstrates how indigenous wisdom and collective responsibility can create an ecosystem where cleanliness is not a campaign—but a culture. The village is a global example of how local traditions can drive sustainable living. The real story is not about clean streets or beautiful landscapes. It is about people. ❖ In Castle Combe, residents, local councils, and preservation bodies work together to safeguard heritage and manage tourism responsibly—ensuring that economic prosperity does not come at the expense of ecological balance or cultural identity. Their experience highlights the power of community stewardship in preserving both heritage and nature. ❖ In Mawlynnong, environmental stewardship begins at home. Children learn that cleanliness is a shared responsibility, while waste segregation, limited plastic use, and community participation make sustainability a way of life. The village shows how environmental consciousness is most effective when nurtured from a young age. Both villages reveal an important ESG truth: Sustainability is strongest when communities become custodians of their environment rather than mere beneficiaries of it. In an era of climate change, urban pollution, and resource stress, these villages remind us that lasting environmental change does not always require billion-dollar investments or sophisticated technologies. Often, the most effective solutions emerge from collective action and shared values. Sometimes, it begins with: ❖ Shared responsibility ❖ Cultural values ❖ Local governance ❖ Intergenerational learning The future of sustainability may not lie only in smart cities and advanced technologies. It may lie in communities that have quietly practised sustainable living for generations. As policymakers, businesses, and societies seek pathways toward a more sustainable future, the experiences of Castle Combe and Mawlynnong offer a simple yet profound lesson: when communities care, ecosystems thrive.

One English town decided to stop treating every patch of grass like a golf course. Instead of mowing miles of roadside grass over and over again, Rotherham replaced long stretches with wildflowers. The result became known as a “River of Flowers.” Eight miles of colour. Road verges that were once plain grass turned into habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators. And the best part? It did not just help nature. It also saved money. By cutting back on constant mowing, the town reduced maintenance costs by thousands of pounds. Less mowing. More flowers. More wildlife. Lower costs. It is one of those ideas that seems almost too simple. For years, councils have spent money cutting grass short just so roadsides look tidy. But when Rotherham let nature do more of the work, the verges became more beautiful, more useful, and better for the environment. Sometimes helping wildlife does not mean building something new. Sometimes it means stopping the machines, letting the flowers grow, and giving nature a little space to come back.

How do you build a road? Episode 7 'Looking after the Wildlife and Environment' On the A417 project, Kier Group Senior Ecologist Natasha James and her team have been working to ensure wildlife is protected, trees planted and the whole project delivers not just a much needed new road, but maximises biodiversity and conservation of the surrounding area. And part of that process is the construction of the Gloucestershire Way Crossing, a 37m bridge over the A417, which will be the largest bridge of its kind for wildlife and people. It was next to the bridge where I met Natasha to learn about the teams award winning work. Natasha: “Before the project started, we conducted reptile translocations and put in mitigation for protected species, including over 2000 reptiles, 80 of which were Adders and a large population of Roman snails.” “Adders are a hugely declining species in the UK, and this project gave us a unique opportunity to track their movements after translocation. As part of our work, we fitted radio tags to Adders gathering data on how they respond to being moved, which can inform best practices for future conservation efforts.” Beyond reptile conservation, the team has also played a key role in habitat connectivity. Natasha: “This bridge behind us will have no vehicles on it at all. It will be planted with grassland and hedgerows, allowing wildlife to move safely across the landscape while also providing a pathway for walkers.” The project’s ecological work has been widely recognised, earning the team a Green Apple Environmental Gold Award in the Environmental Best Practice in Building and Construction category. Natashia: “Winning gold for the Adder telemetry research was particularly special because it is such an innovative approach, especially as part of a construction project.” For me, the A417 is more than just a road. It’s a landscape led initiative that is prioritising conservation alongside infrastructure. Natasha and the team are leading the way in their approach and will continue their work until the project is complete, ensuring that both people and wildlife benefit from the development. Want to see some of our other Episodes with Mark Sabbato and Steve Foxley ChPP MAPM MCHIT of National Highways visit this Content For Industry link - https://lnkd.in/e8iWBgUp #Infrastructure #Ecology #Conservation #Sustainability #A417 #howtobuildaroad #A417missinglink

How can we use storytelling to support India’s Endangered Species? When you give an animal a name, a backstory, a song - you make it unforgettable. So how can we tell stories that don’t just inform, but protect? Let’s explore. Step 1 – Start with a character, not a cause Conservation begins with emotion. Before the science, help people feel the life behind the species. Take Collarwali, the legendary tigress of Pench Tiger Reserve. She raised 29 cubs, was known by name, and featured in Tiger: Spy in the Jungle. Her story became a living emblem of India’s Project Tiger and a symbol of motherhood and survival. Step 2 – Let communities lead the narrative When storytelling comes from within, it sticks. Culture becomes conservation. A powerful example: The Hargila Army in Assam. Led by Purnima Devi Barman, this women-led movement turned the once-reviled greater adjutant stork into a beloved icon - celebrated through sarees, songs, and community rituals. Step 3 – Use creative mediums to build connection Not everyone reads reports, but everyone responds to emotion. Look at The Photo Ark by Joel Sartore. With portraits of 16,000 species on black or white backgrounds, it makes the viewer focus on one thing: the face of a vanishing life. It’s science told through stillness - and it’s unforgettable. Step 4 – Celebrate what’s working Hope motivates more than guilt. Share recovery, not just risk. For instance, the revival of the one-horned rhino in Kaziranga. Once near extinction, their population surged thanks to patrols, community education, and strong will. Today, they are a success story and a symbol of resilience. Step 5 – Bridge science and emotion Facts need feeling to travel far. Make the research relatable and real. One great example is Wildlife Messengers, a documentary filmed by researchers in Peru. By handing the camera to scientists and communities, it turns data into something human. The result? A story that raised funds, awareness and empathy. Endangered species don’t just need conservation plans. They need stories. And when told with care and truth, those stories can help entire ecosystems survive. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/dZR9y46e . . . . #visualstorytelling #wildlife #environment #creativeagency #simitbhagatstudios

Animal overpasses and underpasses have been built across Canadian highways, especially in places like Banff National Park and Highway 69 near Sudbury, to help animals like deer, moose, bears, foxes, lynx, and even sandhill cranes safely cross busy roads. These structures are designed to mimic natural environments, often planted with shrubs and grasses to encourage use by wildlife, according to Cottage Life. The results have been remarkable. In Banff, Parks Canada reports that these crossings have reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions by over 80%, and they’ve become a model for conservation efforts worldwide. According to WHYY, different species prefer different types of crossings, bears and mountain lions tend to use underpasses, while ungulates like moose and deer prefer open overpasses with good visibility.

A simple roof tile might be helping save a species. In rural parts of Catalonia, Spain, conservationists noticed something troubling. The Little Owl was disappearing from agricultural landscapes where it had lived for generations. The reason wasn’t dramatic poaching or sudden disease. It was modernization. Old farm buildings were renovated. Cavities in stone walls were sealed. Traditional clay roofs were replaced or insulated. And the little owl, which does not build its own nest, quietly lost the holes it depends on to reproduce. So instead of building obvious wooden nest boxes, local groups including Grup de Naturalistes d’Osona and Grup de Natura Sterna designed something subtle. They created the “Teula Mussolera,” a modified clay roof tile that looks ordinary from the outside but contains a hidden internal tunnel. Installed directly into rooftops, it blends into farm buildings while offering a thermally stable nesting space. This isn’t a flashy tech solution. It’s not satellite tracking or genetic rescue. It’s architectural humility. Instead of forcing wildlife to adapt to us, they adjusted one small piece of human infrastructure. And in landscapes where little owls also help control rodents and insects, that quiet design choice carries weight. Sometimes conservation is not about building something new. It’s about putting back what we removed. Because even survival can depend on a single tile. #wildlifeconservation #littleowl

BREAKING: The world’s largest wildlife crossing is finally standing. And its beauty lies in the design. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, CA, is one of the world’s largest wildlife crossings, designed to create a safe path for animals and restore habitat connectivity. Key Features and Unique Aspects 1. Size and Design: The crossing spans the freeway and is about 100 meters (328 feet) wide and 69 meters (226 feet) long. Sound barriers, each 3.6 meters (12 feet) high, line both sides to reduce freeway noise and guide animals safely across. The structure's 12,000 metric tons (27 million pounds) of concrete is colored a shade called “dusty mocha” to blend with the landscape, using a custom color derived from nearby soil. 2. Engineering and Soil Preparation: The crossing will be covered with engineered soil, specifically a sandy loam blend with volcanic aggregates, designed to be light yet stable for plant roots. The soil is applied at a depth of 0.6 meters (2 feet), reducing the load on the structure while allowing effective drainage and root support. This engineered soil is inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi collected from within 8 kilometers (5 miles) to promote plant health. 3. Vegetation and Microbial Restoration: About 5,000 native plants—including species like California sagebrush, buckwheat, and laurel sumac—are being grown from seeds sourced within 8 kilometers (5 miles) of the site. These native species are adapted to the local climate and soil, requiring minimal watering once established. The plants, grown in a nearby nursery, will help the crossing’s ecosystem blend with surrounding landscapes, with beneficial soil microbes ensuring plants flourish without excess irrigation. 4. Wildlife Adaptation and Protection: The crossing will be off-limits to people and enclosed by gates and fencing that guide animals away from nearby neighborhoods, promoting a safe, natural migration path. The deck is designed with a slight slope, dropping about 0.6 meters (2 feet) from south to north, to ensure efficient runoff. Additionally, an irrigation system will be available to moisten the soil during droughts or as a preventative measure against wildfires. Stage 2 and Future Developments Stage 2 involves creating additional extensions: a southern extension over Agoura Road and a northern path that slopes down to connect with the Simi Hills. The extensions will be covered with about 6,000 cubic meters (7,800 cubic yards) of fill soil, gradually layered to prevent instability. Large, deep-rooted trees like native oaks will be planted along these sloping areas to further restore habitat. While these trees can’t be planted directly on the crossing due to their root systems, they’ll grow on the surrounding slopes, allowing wildlife to fully integrate with the habitat. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dAiei4-q

🦌 Highways kill millions of animals each year — but bridges could save them. What if your morning commute crossed paths with an elk herd or a migrating crab swarm? In many places, it does — and the results are deadly. Roadkill isn’t just tragic — it’s a biodiversity crisis. 🌉 Enter ecoducts: wildlife crossings that let animals move safely across roads, railways, or cities. First built in France in the 1950s, they now span the globe — from squirrel bridges in Washington State to crab overpasses on Christmas Island. 📊 Why this matters: - 29M+ mammals and 194M birds die on roads annually in Europe alone - In Kenya, 1000+ elephants now use underpasses to reclaim ancient migration routes - In the Netherlands, 600+ crossings serve species from mice to moose - In Japan, turtle tunnels cut rail disruption and save endangered species 🛤 Ecoducts aren’t just about saving animals — they’re about restoring lost ecological connectivity. As roads, rails, and runways fragment landscapes, these quiet bridges reconnect habitats, protect genetic diversity, and even reduce vehicle damage costs. 🌍 We think infrastructure planning must evolve with biodiversity in mind. Whether it’s emissions, habitat loss, or land-use change — sustainable travel isn’t just about fuel. It’s about what (and who) we build over. #Biodiversity #Infrastructure #WildlifeConservation #UrbanPlanning #Sustainability #GreenInfrastructure #Transport #RoadEcology #Ecoducts #SQUAKE #NatureConnectivity #SpeciesProtection #ClimateResilience

When I started grad school, traditional ecological knowledge and community conservation were controversial. Articles were published saying they threatened “science-based” policy. That’s changed; Indigenous and local community expertise and agency are now widely recognized as being critical to achieving bold goals for the environment and climate. But while recognized, they’re still often thought of as local, bespoke, and not scalable. Our review dispels that myth. In this new paper in BioScience led by Giulia Mattalia, Irene Teixiidor-Toneu, and myriad other colleagues, we reviewed hundreds of papers documenting local approaches to stewardship. We identified research on over 1,000 cultural keystone species, spanning continents and biomes, that benefit from local stewardship. Our review also documents the great sophistication of these stewardship practices, some operating at the population level, others at the level of individual animals. And yet, we also find a bias—two-to-one papers on cultural keystone species that document “nature’s contributions to people” do not seek out any corresponding “people’s contributions to nature.”  The assumption remains that the relationship is one way, extractive, whereas all evidence warrants the reverse assumption—of relationships that are reciprocal and oriented around not just the extraction of benefit but mutual care. Our findings challenge persistent reservations about the widespread applicability and “scalability” of cultural stewardship. To the latter, I think it demands a reframing of the notion of scaling—the commitment to empowering local stewardship is what scales, not the methods/practices per se. While we find a portfolio of common stewardship practices that are widely recognizable, in practice these are still highly place- and culture-based, rooted in systems of local custom and expertise. They are not technologies to be copied and deployed but competencies to be supported and elevated. You can find the paper here: https://lnkd.in/gjjR6KkX DM if you lack access. Irene Teixidor-Toneu Faisal Moola, PhD Natalie Ban Jessica Lukawiecki The Nature Conservancy Science The Nature Conservancy