Loss, decline and extinction: some of the most common topics of conversation in the more than 15 years that we have spent talking about nature conservation. It is true that today the natural world faces great threats, but that should not keep us from finding hope in those few stories that can illustrate just how far a passion for nature can take those passionate enough. And who does not love a good adventure?
With enough doom and gloom to go around, we hope the Lost & Found project can help shape the conversation around nature conservation. As a child, we found solace in the possibility of species thought extinct being rediscovered. With Lost & Found, we hope to bring those positive and inspirational stories about nature to anyone that enjoys a good story and show that anyone with sufficient tenacity and passion can make a difference for nature. We hope to reach a diverse audience beyond those that already have an interest in nature by celebrating not only the amazing wildlife but also the people that made it all happen.
Currently we have 15 stories online, covering mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. In the next few months, we are hoping to double this number by featuring other groups, such as invertebrates, plants and fish. We will be adding content regularly through the blog, including first person accounts of those directly involved in the rediscovery of a species, the latest updates on expeditions to rediscover species, and profiles of the Lost & Found team members. Stay tuned and subscribe!
From the beginning, we knew Lost & Found had to be a digital project if we wanted its reach to be truly global. Although everything is currently in English, we are working to fundraise for translations into French, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese. We are also working on video versions of our stories. If you think you can help us, please drop us a line using the “get in touch” form on the top left menu.
The very first post of the Lost & Found blog could not end without a word of gratitude to our sponsors, the Society for Conservation Biology and the British Ecological Society, without which none of this would be possible. But just as importantly, I want to recognize the brilliant contributions of our team: the writers Sam Needs and Anna Feeney, the illustrator Amy Gallagher, the web designers Zé Pedro Martins and João Dábrio, and, of course, my partner and co-founder Laure Cugnière.
The last word goes out to our readers! I hope you enjoy our stories. Please help them reach as many people as possible by sharing them with your friends, colleagues and family. Happy rediscoveries!
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