Protecting our Natural World: Initiatives from across the Globe

Welcome to #TRVSTLOVES. We curate news, ideas, and inspiration from across the world that demonstrate how real action can accomplish a positive social impact. This month we're looking at ways in which we can protect our natural world and what initiatives are taking place across the globe to do the same.

10 things you can do to help protect the planet

We've found some great initiatives going on across the globe, but let's get kick off with the things you can do personally to help protect our planet. WWF gives us ten great ideas including using your voice, staying informed, and being political, The problem in hand can seem overwhelming: how can we, as individuals, really make a difference? It's important for us to make the changes that are doable. Think about reducing your personal waste, eating sustainably, and be conscious about the products you buy. If we all do what we can it will lead to real change.

Businesses join the biodiversity battle

Businesses are stepping up to join the biodiversity battle! A new coalition, known as 'Business for Nature' has just been launched to join businesses together to protect the world's plants and animals. The initiative has been set up by some big names, including the World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD), WWF, and the World Economic Forum (WEF), so it's by no means an insignificant movement.

You'll notice that on a smaller scale more and more businesses are becoming responsible for their imprint on the planet. So what can you do? Research the company you are buying from, understand their policies and how they are contributing to the future of our planet.

Global coalition assembled to address nature loss

We're seeing a lot of examples recently of people, businesses, and governments coming together to try and tackle some of the problems we are all facing on a global level.  Just this week, we've seen progress at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of New Champions in China, and the Trondheim Biodiversity Conferences in Norway.

A new global coalition has been assembled, where leading global organizations are coming together to address the decline in plant and animal species. There is power in numbers, so it's very encouraging, and, hopefully, now at the top of the agenda at many of these conferences and global meetings.

Africa pledges to protect wildlife

Earlier this month, the Wildlife Economy Summit took place in Zimbabwe, where it was agreed that Africa must protect its natural wonders if it is to continue to prosper. Africa is one of the leading continents for large mammals, and it would be devastating if we started to see these decline.

Because what would be next? Extinction. The impact on Africa's ecosystem and income via tourism would also be huge. The outcome of the summit appears to be positive: new commitments to nature-based tourism have been made, and protecting wildlife has been pledged as a priority. So that's a thumbs up from us!

Related: For more info on the diversity of wildlife in the animal kingdom, you might like to browse some ugly animals, that also deserve protection, read up on the types of monkeys, and seek inspiration from some famous environmentalists.

Children to build a species database

The UN has warned that one million species are at risk of extinction unless we act fast. So educating our children, the next generation who will continue to deal with this crisis, is key. The Seek app is a great initiative: a wildlife app that will help children to build a species database. Education is so important, and by finding a way to incorporate technology into the process, children are much more likely to take an interest.