About

Sharing hope; building capacity and community

Conservation Optimism supports, empowers and enables conservationists around the globe by sharing hope and building capacity and community.

We believe that a healthy, (bio)diverse and resilient world is achievable. We understand that the challenge of conservation in the 21st century is great and complex, but we believe that challenge can be met.

We understand that the language of crisis and emergency has a role in inspiring action, but, for those wanting to act, and for those already actively engaged, working constantly in such a context can be constraining and often overwhelming. We recognise the power of hope as a potent enabling force, and sometimes as a necessary guard against anxiety and despair.

We are an international team working with a worldwide community of individuals and organisations to inspire and enable a global effort – towards a sustainable future in which everyone can thrive.

Who we are

We started in 2016 at the University of Oxford in the U.K. – founded by Professor Dame E.J. Milner-Gulland.

We are a worldwide team of volunteers (at the moment) who all believe deeply in the vital mission.

We are a global community of people and organisations who understand the need for hope and collaboration in global conservation.

We are an inclusive movement of scientists, artists, businesses, NGOs and other motivated people, open to all.

What we aim to do

• Be optimistic but realistic
• Help challenge eco-anxiety, hopelessness and overwhelm
• Re-balance the discourse around conservation and what it can achieve
• Work across many disciplines and sectors in new and creative ways
• Build an inclusive, global community
• Amplify diverse voices and experiences
• Welcome everyone who wants to contribute