The power of positive messages

Most people would agree that protecting the environment is important. But, few would actually take action. Where do they begin anyway? Global warming is such an overwhelmingly complex problem that it seems impossible that the actions of one person could actually help combat species loss or climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) plans to change that. The group is complementing its famous “Red List” of endangered species with a “Green List” that highlights exemplary work carried out in protected areas. The idea that positive messages can actually help drive conservation is the focus of our background article by Hilke Fischer. In our video report, Wolf Gebhardt actually visited one of the first places expected to make it on the Green List - a nature reserve on Lake Bogoria in Kenya. It’s home to Africa’s largest flamingo population and plenty of people who are trying to make a positive change.