One interpretation of the term 'conservation', is to keep things the same as they are. This, I would argue, is precisely the last thing that we need to reach the lofty goal of a healthy and sustainable natural world.
TED is all about spreading ideas, and the simple message that I'd like to share is about optimism and hope in conservation.
Tree planting is, in my view, one of the simplest and best things you can do to support conservation.
From the swarms of crabs rolling across the beach, the militant camels that would raid our flour supplies, evening camp fires with our new Omani friends and of course the jet black night sky...
I read a fantastic article this week in the New York Times that really got me thinking about this, and I wanted to share it.
Lots of people start out in conservation because, unsurprisingly, they like animals. Yet the more time you spend in conservation, the more you recognize that doing what is best for the natural world, often results in difficult decisions and tough actions.
I generally have little time for the handy-wave empathetic or emotional side of conservation, full stop.
There's nothing quite like mentioning rewilding to really put the cat among the pigeons (or the lynx among the grouse as it were).
The latest accidental science communication phenomenon is #IAmAScientistBecause - prompting scientists from all around the world to share their inspiration and motivation and passion for science.
Last month, Craig Turner and I were excited to have an article in The Biologist magazine about biological expeditions, something which we are both pretty passionate about.
Be willing to change your mind. Tell a good story and get out into the field.
If you've read my blog for any length of time, you'll know that I'm a stubborn optimist. I don't want to spend my life sharing depressing statistics and fighting a losing battle for conservation.
