The National Parks Foundation (NPF) has received an unprecedented philanthropic gift of $100 million from the Lilly Endowment, marking the largest donation in its history. This substantial contribution aims to protect and restore the most fragile ecosystems within America’s national parks, some of which are at immediate risk of degradation. While well-known parks like Glacier and Canyonlands safeguard vast tracts of pristine wilderness, other parks such as Biscayne Bay and Channel Islands are dedicated to preserving smaller, highly vulnerable ecosystems. The $100 million donation will be crucial in supporting efforts to protect these delicate environments, including restoring coral reefs, conserving wild trout species, and addressing other critical ecological needs across the national park system.

This historic donation comes when the National Park Service (NPS) grapples with a significant backlog of deferred maintenance, estimated at $24 billion. Although the Great American Outdoors Act was enacted to generate funding for national park maintenance, it only addresses a portion of the required resources. The Lilly Endowment’s gift, the first major contribution toward filling this funding gap, underscores the importance of private philanthropy in sustaining and enhancing America’s national parks. According to NPF President and CEO Will Shafroth, such gifts allow the NPS to respond swiftly to urgent conservation needs, ensuring that these treasured landscapes and ecosystems are preserved for future generations.

In a historic victory for the Mirarr people, the traditional owners of Australia, the federal government has terminated the land leasing program for the Jabiluka uranium deposit. This decision ensures that mining will never take place on the land that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Mirarr. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside his coalition, has incorporated the Jabiluka site into the adjacent Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its natural beauty and cultural importance. This move not only protects the land from future mining endeavors but also acknowledges and honors the long-standing connection of the Mirarr people to their ancestral territory. The addition of Jabiluka to Kakadu reinforces the commitment to preserving Australia’s rich cultural heritage and the environment, symbolizing a profound respect for the world’s oldest continuous culture.

The conflict over Jabiluka, which spans over three decades, saw numerous protests and legal battles spearheaded by Indigenous activists and environmental groups against Energy Resources Australia (ERA) and its majority owner, Rio Tinto Group. Despite holding one of the world’s richest uranium deposits, successive administrations, influenced by strong advocacy from the Mirarr and other Indigenous groups, have consistently refrained from allowing mining activities. The 2005 Jabiluka Long-Term Care and Maintenance Agreement granted the traditional owners veto rights over any future development, underscoring their pivotal role in decision-making. With ERA opting not to renew the lease and the federal government’s firm stance to protect the land, the Mirarr’s cultural legacy and the ecological integrity of the region have been secured. This landmark decision is celebrated as a testament to the resilience and enduring influence of the Mirarr people in safeguarding their heritage and the environment for future generations.

It was a grand day out on Lake Tisza in southern Hungary as the PET Cup returned with great success. Sponsored by local and large businesses alike, the event featured hearty ‘PET Pirates’ plundering the artificial lake in search of treasure: plastic waste. These enthusiastic participants turned environmental cleanup into a competitive and community-driven activity, setting sail on makeshift barges in a flotilla that conjured images of “Mad Max” on water. The competition not only showcased the community’s dedication to environmental conservation but also highlighted the collaborative effort between sponsors and volunteers in addressing plastic pollution.

The PET Cup, named after the commonly used plastic, polyethylene terephthalate, began in 2013 to inspire locals to maintain the cleanliness of their beloved lake. Since its inception, the competition has expanded to other waterways, growing in popularity and impact. This year’s edition was particularly fruitful, with over 20,000 pounds (approximately seven tons) of trash being removed from Lake Tisza. The victorious team, sponsored by MBH Bank, exemplified the spirit of the event, demonstrating that collective efforts can lead to significant environmental benefits. The PET Cup not only cleans up the waterways but also fosters a sense of community and environmental responsibility among participants and spectators alike.

Deforestation in Colombia has reached a significant milestone, hitting a 23-year low in 2023. According to recent government figures, environmental destruction has decreased by 36%, marking a considerable achievement for one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. This environmental victory is largely attributed to President Gustavo Petro’s proactive approach to conservation. His administration has emphasized the importance of protecting Colombia’s natural resources, particularly the Amazon rainforest, which is critical to global biodiversity. Petro’s leftist government has allocated significant funds towards saving the Amazon and has committed to land restoration initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.

The reduction in deforestation is especially pronounced in the Amazon region, where deforestation rates dropped by 38%, from nearly 274 square miles in 2022 to about 171 square miles in 2023. However, government officials, including Environment Minister Susana Muhamad, urge caution despite these positive trends. During a press conference, Muhamad highlighted the ongoing challenges, noting that while the progress is encouraging, the fight against deforestation is far from over. She pointed out that 2024 has seen a rise in deforestation due to severe El Niño weather conditions, which have exacerbated dry spells. Additionally, efforts to dismantle illegal roads in the Amazon have faced setbacks. Despite these challenges, the substantial decline in deforestation in Colombia, coupled with similar trends in Brazil, provides a reason for optimism and underscores the impact of concerted conservation efforts.