About us

The global conservation movement has reached a turning point. We have documented the fast pace of habitat loss, the growing number of endangered and extinct species, and the increasing speed of global climate change. Yet while the seriousness of these threats cannot be denied, there are a growing number of examples of improvements in the health of species and ecosystems, along with benefits to human well-being, thanks to our conservation actions. Earth Optimism celebrates a change in focus from problem to solution, from a sense of loss to one of hope, in the dialogue about conservation and sustainability

In 2017, thought leaders, practitioners, pioneering scientists and researchers, environmentalists, artists, civic leaders, industry participants, media, philanthropists, and other conservation-minded citizens gathered for the inaugural Earth Optimism Summit that was held from April 21 -23 in Washington DC[2]. Earth Optimism is co-convened by Smithsonian Conservation Commons and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative. You can read more about this alliance on https://earthoptimism.si.edu/alliance/

This year, the Tropical Biology Association in partnership with other organizations to host Earth Optimism in Nairobi Kenya as part of the global events. The event comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with a myriad of environmental challenges which include wildlife trafficking, threats by invasive species, climatic variability, and pollution among other challenges. This event seeks to showcase the positive progress made in addressing these challenges while protecting and managing our common resource: the environment. The event which will bring together scientists, policy makers, civil society, academia and artists to showcase what has worked and can work in the form of sustainable solutions and climate action. The event, which will be delivered virtually, is meant to educate, inspire and encourage each participant.