Nations

River running through rainforest

Colombia bans all new oil and mining projects in its Amazon

By / / Good News For Humankind

In a decisive victory for the environment, the Colombian government has declared a halt to all future industrial extraction within its rainforest territories. This policy protects 42% of the nation’s territory, immediately stopping hundreds of pending permits. The ban prioritizes biodiversity, water systems, and Indigenous land rights over short-term profit. By shifting focus to a sustainable bioeconomy, Colombia is setting a powerful example of environmental sovereignty for the entire Amazon basin.

Milu deer

China’s milu deer achieves stunning population recovery

By / / Good News For Humankind

The world is celebrating a monumental conservation success: the Pere David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) has made a remarkable recovery from near-extinction. This unique species, often called the “milu” or “elaphure,” was saved through decades of dedicated human effort and international cooperation. The global population has rebounded from a low of just 39 individuals to an estimated 8,200 today. This achievement demonstrates the immense power of conservation science and captive breeding programs.

Pill

U.K.’s National Health Service makes morning-after pill available for free in pharmacies across England

By / / Good News For Humankind

England has achieved a major victory for public health by making the morning-after pill free across community pharmacies. This expansion eliminates the significant financial barrier that previously cost patients up to £30. Public health experts predict this policy will lead to a crucial decline in unintended pregnancies. By ensuring immediate and widespread access, the National Health Service (NHS) is actively promoting reproductive autonomy and health equity.

Pangolin

Nigeria passes major new wildlife trafficking law

By / / Good News For Humankind

A groundbreaking legal reform in Nigeria has created a strong deterrent against illegal wildlife trafficking. The new law increases penalties, targeting the pervasive trade where shipments of pangolin scales alone have reached staggering weights, such as 51 tons in 2019. This decisive action strengthens national enforcement and the capacity of rangers. It provides crucial protection for endangered species like pangolins and forest elephants, reinforcing the commitment to biodiversity in Nigeria and abroad.

Nine nations commit to recognizing 395 million acres of Indigenous land by 2030

By / / Good News For Humankind

A landmark international coalition has committed to formally recognizing 395 million acres of Indigenous and traditional community lands worldwide. The nine countries making this pledge are Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Gabon, Guatemala, the Republic of Congo, Peru, and Venezuela. This massive commitment to land tenure security empowers millions of Indigenous and local people to be the primary stewards of their ancestral territories, ensuring the permanent protection of globally vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots.

Sperm whales

IUCN approves major new North Atlantic marine sanctuary

By / / Good News For Humankind

The IUCN World Conservation Congress has voted to establish the Macaronesia Sanctuary. This massive transnational protected area spans the waters of Spain, Portugal, and Cape Verde, creating one of the world’s most ambitious marine sanctuaries. By safeguarding a vast migration corridor across four archipelagos, the initiative protects essential habitats from industrial fishing and maritime traffic. This historic agreement unites nations in a shared mission to secure the long-term resilience of this vital Atlantic ecosystem.

Sunset over a river

Brazil dismantles hundreds of illegal dredges in major Amazon mining crackdown

By / / Good News For Humankind

A groundbreaking environmental victory has been secured in the Amazon through the removal of hundreds of illegal river machines. These large, floating mining dredges were the primary source of toxic mercury contamination in the waterways. The decisive government action significantly reduces public health risks for Indigenous communities who rely on fish for food. This vital enforcement protects tribal land sovereignty and allows damaged river ecosystems to begin their natural recovery.

Sanae Takaichi

Japan’s parliament elects Sanae Takaichi as nation’s first female prime minister

By / / Good News For Humankind

Japan has reached a monumental moment in its long democratic history by electing Sanae Takaichi as its first female Prime Minister. Takaichi, a well-known figure with a long tenure in parliament, shatters a critical barrier in gender representation at the highest level of government. This election, coming from a historically male-dominated political structure, is a potent source of inspiration for women in public service across the Asia-Pacific region.

Porto-Novo, Benin

Benin commits to making renewables its main source of power by 2030

By / / Good News For Humankind

Benin is launching a strategic national effort to make renewable energy its main source of power by 2030. The National Renewable Energy Development Policy aims to increase renewables to 30% of the energy mix. This push includes a target to install at least $100$ megawatts (MW) of solar capacity. This shift is accelerating energy independence, reducing reliance on costly imports, and empowering local economies across the nation.

Male, Maldives

The Maldives becomes first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis & hepatitis B

By / / Good News For Humankind

The Maldives has achieved a major public health victory by eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B (HBV). This historic WHO-verified status makes the nation a global leader in maternal and child health. The success is rooted in universal antenatal screening and equitable access to medication across all islands. This achievement secures a healthier start for future generations and provides a powerful blueprint for eliminating other diseases globally.