biodiversity resilience

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Controlled burns encourage biodiversity
Credit: Diana Robinson/Flickr

Fire's ancient practice returns to help Nebraska’s wildlife thrive

Conservationists in Nebraska are reviving the ancient practice of controlled burns to restore vital habitats for sandhill cranes and other species.

Brandon Withrow reports for the BBC.

In short:

  • Controlled burns clear away overgrowth, benefiting birds like sandhill cranes by creating open areas for feeding and nesting.
  • These fires mimic natural and Indigenous land management practices, which are key to maintaining grasslands and promoting biodiversity.
  • Species such as bears, prairie chickens and even pollinators like bees benefit from the new growth that follows controlled burns.

Key quote:

"The best way we can make sure that the grasslands stay grasslands, is by making sure that we're using tools to keep it in that habitat — tools like prescribed fires."

— Amanda Hefner, education manager, Rowe Sanctuary

Why this matters:

In Nebraska, the practice of prescribed burning is breathing new life into local species, from the cranes that rely on open spaces to the bears that find renewed food sources in berry bushes. This ancient practice could be one of the best ways to combat the wildfire risks and biodiversity loss we face today. Read more: Hands on the land, heart in community: Returning cultural fires.

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indigenous ancient forest protections
Credit: Jim Germond

A collaborative effort saves Clayoquot Sound's ancient forests

The Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations will now oversee the conservation of 760 square kilometers of old-growth forests in Clayoquot Sound, with the support of philanthropic funding.

Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood reports for The Narwhal.

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fungi's role in carbon capture
Credit: Unpossible/Flickr

Research highlights fungi's key role in carbon capture

The underground networks of plant roots and fungi are proving to be essential in sequestering carbon in the soil, according to recent studies.

Matt Reynolds reports for Wired.

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eu nature restoration law
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Austria’s last-minute support enables EU Nature Restoration Law

After months of deadlock, the EU's Nature Restoration Law passed, driven by a crucial change of heart from Austria.

Marta Pacheco reports for Euronews.

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gardens biodiversity climate resilience
Credit: Daniela/Flickr

Gardens can help combat climate and biodiversity crises

Gardens can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss, but they are being replaced by plastic and paving, contributing to environmental degradation.

Kate Bradbury reports for The Guardian.

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biodiversity resilience
Credit: Don Henderson/Flickr

Protecting species from extinction is not enough

The loss of species abundance poses a serious threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functionality.

John Reid reports for The Atlantic.

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