5 Secrets from Ecology So You Can Meaningfully Contribute to Conservation Efforts

“Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.”

— Jochen Zeitz

In a world faced with saddening rates of deforestation, coral reef acidification, and more, it is easy to lose hope that any single individual could meaningfully contribute to conservation efforts. 

This, however, is one of the tragic misconceptions of our time. 

Actually, there are several ways a single individual can leverage their efforts to generate a larger impact.

Why You Think You Can’t “Meaningfully Contribute” to Conservation…And Why You’re Wrong

In 2024, about half the world’s population will see national elections. 

With this global shift in power, there is also a global epidemic of individuals believing their vote doesn’t matter. 

This is, however, a tragic misconception. 

Consider the model used in this 80,000 Hours article, “if the US government discretionary spending is $6.4 trillion over four years, and you have a 1 in 10 million chance of changing the outcome of the national election, then in expectation you have some degree of influence over $640,000 of government spending.”

So, your vote is worth $640,000. Is that enough to justify taking an hour out to vote, and more time to inform yourself about the candidates?

For most, the answer is yes. 

So what?

Most people think about conservation the same way. 

“I cannot change the entire world by myself, so I will not change any part of the world at all.” 

Perhaps the first part of this argument is true- it’s rare that one individual has a deep impact globally, all on their own. 

However, the work of individuals could often be enough to change very large portions of space, maybe even entire cities. 

If you could be the difference between 10 acres of wild, would that be a meaningful enough contribution? Would it matter?

I think so. 

#1: Create Urban Wildlife Corridors.

Urban wildlife corridors are small corridors in cities- such as backyards, abandoned lots, local parks, beaches, etc.- that have been repurposed to connect fragmented habitats with each other. 

So what?

Well, when habitats are continuously broken down into smaller and smaller areas, it becomes increasingly difficult for wildlife to access water, food, and mates. 

The global effect of this (in an increasingly urbanized world) is a staggering decrease in biodiversity. 

Usually though, creating large urban wildlife corridors is a challenge due to the number of property owners and stakeholders involved. 

Nevertheless, even a small wildlife corridor- a backyard, a front garden, or a community park- can make a sizable difference to the biodiversity of your community. 

Furthermore, it will encourage other individuals to do the same, creating a wave of impact on countless species. 

#2: Participate in Citizen Science Projects

According to the British Ecological Society, citizen science can be generally defined as “the involvement of volunteers in research”.  

While this means citizen scientists can help out at any stage in the process, usually they help out with data collection and analysis. 

The work of citizen scientists, ultimately, provides a highly valued resource to the scientific community, giving them the ability to develop much larger datasets than scientists would be able to capture alone. 

The best part?

Getting involved in initiatives like this is super easy!

No matter where you live, there are several citizen science apps you can download on your phone, programs you can join, and scientists you can support to generate eco-friendly innovation. 

Just choose an area you are passionate about, and get started. 

#3: Create & Distribute Seed Bombs

For anyone unacquainted with seed bombs, they likely sound like a classified weapon used by the military. 

In reality, they  are little balls of compost, water, clay, and (you guessed it) seeds. 

They are used by passionate eco warriors and guerrilla gardeners to reintroduce native species into neglected areas, promoting biodiversity and enhancing green space. 

In fact, they have been used since the seventies, the idea originating in New York. 

Originally, the term was “seed grenade”, and it was made of wildflower seeds, water, and fertilizer, all wrapped in a condom. These seed grenades were tossed over fences into empty lots, reintroducing life, beauty, and nature into even the most depressing urban wastelands. 

Fortunately, you can easily carry on this charming tradition without any condoms. 

Just combine 5 parts clay with 1 part compost in a large bowl, gradually adding water and mixing until you have a consistency similar to dough. Then, you add in 1 part seeds of your choice, although preferably seeds that are local to the area. Next, you roll the mixture into balls the size of a marble, and wait for them to dry. This will take one to two days. 

Once they’re dry, distribute them!

Ideally, the seed bombs are best for areas that are hard to reach, neglected, or in need of greenery. This includes empty lots, roadside verges, or bare patches of soil. 

Before you know it, you will have turned the concrete cityscape into a natural oasis. 

#4: Crowdfund for local conservation. 

Crowdfunding is about putting the power in your hands. 

Instead of hoping big funding bodies will deem your area of interest “important” enough to fund, you fund the project yourself. 

Whether it’s a particular species, a habitat in your local community, or a certain organization close to your heart, crowdfunding can be a powerful way to make an impact on conservation efforts you care about. 

Not a billionaire?

Don’t sweat it. 

Crowdfunding for conservation efforts can be as simple as asking for a donation instead of a birthday present, doing a series of social media posts, or putting up a poster in a nearby public space (e.g. cafe or library). 

It’s easy to get started, so why not give it a shot?

#5: Adopt a beach or park. 

Last, but not least, an effective way to make a meaningful contribution to conservation efforts is through adopting a beach or a park. 

This allows you to expand your awareness of your local habitats, facilitate pollution prevention, and enjoy the instant gratification of seeing your beach or park visibly cleaner than before. 

You don’t need to be part of a large group to do this. In fact, all that is required is a single individual, or perhaps even a single household. 

Just pick a site nearby, and usually you will be required to commit three days of the year to cleanup before receiving an adoption certificate. 

It’s easy, and it makes a clear visible difference!

Your meaningful contribution starts today. 

With these unique and actionable tips, you will be equipped to make a meaningful impact in your community. 

So what are the next steps?

Simple! Just pick one of the ideas listed, and try applying it. 

Test it out, then try something else. 

Whether you make a single seed bomb, adopt miles of local greenery, or create urban wildlife corridors all around your city, your impact will make a difference. It will matter. It will be meaningful. 

Most of all, it will show others that change is possible, and inspire them to take action too. 

Thought to Action

1. Create Urban Wildlife Corridors: Work with local residents, schools, and businesses to plant native plants in strategic locations, such as backyards, road medians, or unused public land. Native plants are crucial as they provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Encourage residents to create habitats that support wildlife, including native plants, bird feeders, and water features, effectively turning backyards into a network of wildlife corridors.
2. Participate in Citizen Science: Look for citizen science projects in your area or online platforms like iNaturalist, eBird, or Zooniverse, where you can contribute data on local wildlife, plants, or environmental conditions.
3. Create & Distribute Seed Bombs: Mix clay, compost, and native wildflower seeds into small balls. The clay helps protect the seeds until they’re ready to germinate, and the compost provides nutrients. These can be made in bulk at community events or workshops.
4. Adopt a Beach or a Park: Select a local beach, park, or other natural area that could benefit from regular maintenance and conservation efforts. Contact local authorities or conservation organizations to formally adopt the area.Plan monthly or quarterly clean-ups with volunteers to remove trash, invasive species, and other debris. Provide participants with gloves, bags, and tools, and arrange for proper disposal of collected waste. Beyond clean-ups, work on projects like planting native vegetation, installing bird boxes, or creating educational signage about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
5. Crowdfund For Local Conservation: Find a specific conservation project that requires funding, such as purchasing land for a nature reserve, restoring a habitat, or funding research on local wildlife.

Sources

Check your sources!

“2024: The Year of Global Elections – Ash Center.” Ash Center, 5 June 2024, ash.harvard.edu/resources/2024-the-year-of-global-elections/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

Agar, Chloe. “10 Ways to Get Involved with Citizen Science.” Grow Wild, 11 Mar. 2024, growwild.kew.org/blog/10-ways-get-involved-citizen-science. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

Blue Ocean Society For Marine Conservation. Adopt-a-Beach Handbook. Blue Ocean Society For Marine Conservation.

Borrell, James. “Crowdfunding Conservation: 10 Inspiring Projects.” Dr. James Borrell, 2016, www.jamesborrell.com/crowdfunding-conservation-10-inspiring-projects/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

Cave, Lydia. “Wildlife Corridors in Urban Habitats – Wild Ideas.” Wild Ideas, 24 Oct. 2020, www.wild-ideas.org.uk/2020/10/24/wildlife-corridors-in-urban-habitats/.

Darrah, Petrina. “Here’s Why Citizen Science Is Important, and How You Can Contribute – GVI | GVI.” Www.gvi.co.uk, 5 Oct. 2022, www.gvi.co.uk/blog/heres-why-citizen-science-is-important-and-how-you-can-contribute/.

Eliades, Angelo. “How to Make and Use Seed Bombs: A Complete Guide for Green Guerrillas.” Deep Green Permaculture, 30 Aug. 2024, deepgreenpermaculture.com/2024/08/31/how-to-make-and-use-seed-bombs-a-complete-guide-for-green-guerrillas/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

Fenwick, Cody. “Does Your Vote Matter? What the Research Says.” 80,000 Hours, 21 June 2024, 80000hours.org/2024/06/does-your-vote-matter-what-the-research-says/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

Global Forest Watch. “Global Deforestation Rates & Statistics by Country | GFW.” Www.globalforestwatch.org, 2022, www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/global/.

Goodey, Jan. “How and Why to Make Seedbombs.” The Ecologist, 24 Mar. 2023, theecologist.org/2010/may/18/how-and-why-make-seedbombs. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

“How to Make a Seed Bomb | the Wildlife Trusts.” Wildlifetrusts.org, 2019, www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-make-seed-bomb. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

Land-Zandstra, Anne, et al. “Participants in Citizen Science.” The Science of Citizen Science, 2021, pp. 243–259, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58278-4_13. Accessed 21 Oct. 2021.

Padfield, Amy. “Citizen Science Hub.” British Ecological Society, www.britishecologicalsociety.org/learning-and-resources/engaging-the-public/citizen-science-hub/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

“Urban Wildlife Corridors: Building Bridges for Wildlife and People | Urban Agenda Platform.” Urbanagendaplatform.org, 2022, www.urbanagendaplatform.org/resources/urban-wildlife-corridors-building-bridges-wildlife-and-people. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

World Economic Forum. “This Is How Crowdfunding Is Helping to Protect Our Planet.” World Economic Forum, 31 May 2018, www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/05/crowdfunded-campaigns-are-conserving-the-earth-s-environment/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.

Your Family or Household Can Be a Solution to Ocean Learn about Pollution Pick a Site… Any Site** Join the Community Science Movement.

Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/green-leafed-tree-38136/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.