Descendants of families displaced by Maiko National Park in the DRC are now spearheading community-led conservation efforts in the Bamasobha Local Community Forest Concession. Through monitoring illegal activities, promoting sustainable resource management, and fostering coexistence with the forest, they have successfully reduced forest loss in the concession. This shift towards inclusive forest management is part of a growing trend of community forest concessions in the DRC, providing Indigenous communities with a crucial alternative for preserving forest resources.
Author: News.mongabay
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Australia establishes the first Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area
The Karajarri people of Kimberley in northwestern Australia have established Australia's first Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area, acknowledging their deep connection to the land and sea. This new protected area, rich in biodiversity, is crucial for maintaining the health of both people and ecosystems. Building on three decades of legal and political efforts, Australia's Indigenous Protected Areas are now playing a key role in the country's goal to protect 30% of its territory by 2030.
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In Thailand, EUDR pressure on small-scale rubber farmers prompts private-sector assistance
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is putting pressure on small-scale rubber farmers in Thailand to prove their products are deforestation-free in order to continue supplying European markets. Private intermediary firms like Agriac are helping farmers comply through tech-based traceability platforms such as Traztru. The EUDR aims to reduce deforestation risks and promote sustainability in the rubber industry, with a focus on collaboration across the supply chain and investment in small-scale producers. Efforts to engage more farmers and ensure compliance with EUDR standards will require collective responsibility and a shift towards sustainable practices. Crop diversification in rubber agroforestry plantations and promoting biodiversity-friendly approaches are key strategies to transform the rubber industry supply chain in time for upcoming regulations.
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Tony Parkes, the banker who replanted a rainforest
Tony Parkes dedicated three decades to restoring the Big Scrub rainforest in northern New South Wales, planting tens of thousands of trees and uniting various stakeholders in rainforest recovery efforts. The Big Scrub, once covering 75,000 hectares, had dwindled to just one percent remaining due to clearing and cattle grazing. Parkes' leadership in the Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy helped protect remnants, plant millions of trees, and make rainforest restoration a key part of the region's civic life. His approach involved bringing together landholders, scientists, donors, and volunteers to work towards a disciplined model of rainforest recovery. Parkes emphasized evidence-based conservation, genetic diversity, and resilience to climate change, leading to significant progress in restoring the landscape and preserving biodiversity.
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/tony-parkes-the-banker-who-replanted-a-rainforest/
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How silk caterpillars became a tool for conservation in Madagascar
Catherine Craig's conservation work in Madagascar focused on developing a sustainable enterprise around native silk-producing caterpillars to provide new sources of income for farmers and artisans, aiming to protect habitat by creating economic opportunities for local communities. The project's success relied on Malagasy leadership, community engagement, and adaptability to changing markets and local needs. The CPALI program expanded to include various sustainable practices, highlighting the importance of respecting local communities in conservation efforts. Craig's focus on linking livelihoods with conservation was driven by the recognition of poverty as a key factor in habitat loss and animal exploitation in tropical regions. The project's transition to Malagasy leadership showcased the resilience needed in conservation projects and the importance of empowering local communities for long-term sustainability.
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China solar exports hit all-time record in March as Africa, Asia demand jumps
In March 2026, China exported a record volume of solar components, totaling 68 gigawatts in solar capacity, as fossil fuel prices rose and tax rebates for clean technology ended. This surge in demand led to 50 countries setting all-time records for Chinese solar imports, with African nations experiencing a significant increase in demand. Despite China's decision to end tax rebates, African countries are continuing to rapidly expand their solar energy capacity, with prices expected to rise but not reverse the clean energy transition. Asian nations, including India, also increased their imports of Chinese solar components, reflecting a global trend towards solar energy adoption.
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Great Koala National Park tests whether protected forests can stay connected
Australia is planning a new Great Koala National Park in New South Wales to address the decline of koalas due to habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and climate change impacts. The park aims to provide connected habitat for koalas and other threatened species, emphasizing the importance of managing whole landscapes to ensure ecological connections and habitat functionality. Conservationists support the park proposal but warn of challenges such as logging pressure and weak enforcement, highlighting the crucial need for connectivity between forest remnants for species to move and adapt to changing conditions.
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Reciprocity, not extraction: Centering an Indigenous approach to forestry
Biodiversity, water accessibility, and climate are interconnected, offering a climate solution through ecosystem restoration and landscape care. By promoting biodiversity, the water cycle can be healed, leading to climate stabilization. This aspect has been overlooked in the climate conversation, which often focuses solely on carbon dioxide reduction and transitioning away from fossil fuels. Protecting ecosystems and balancing the water cycle are crucial components of addressing climate change.
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How Bangladesh builds houses that stand in extreme floods
Architects from Dhaka are collaborating with rural communities in northeast Bangladesh to construct flood-resistant tiny houses known as khudi baris. These homes are designed to withstand severe flooding and can be easily dismantled and relocated during river erosion, empowering villagers to build them independently. The project showcases a successful model of community-led climate adaptation, with several homes already constructed. Despite the urgency of completing a project before an impending flood arrives, individuals are working tirelessly to finish within 14 or 15 days to avoid potential damage, highlighting the race against time to address climate challenges in the region.
https://news.mongabay.com/video/2026/04/how-bangladesh-builds-houses-that-stand-in-extreme-floods/
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How Mongabay’s journalism made an impact in 2025
In 2025, Mongabay's journalism focused on empowering Indigenous and local communities by exposing illegal activities in the Amazon, highlighting conservation efforts in Colombia and Mexico, and collaborating with GI-TOC to combat illegal wildlife trade. Their reporting led to indictments and recommendations for bans on illegal practices in Brazil, as well as actions by organizations like WWF. With over 870 impacts logged throughout the year, Mongabay's work aims to hold powerful interests accountable and empower communities to defend their rights and ecosystems.
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/12/how-mongabays-journalism-made-an-impact-in-2025/