In Poland’s ancient Białowieża Forest, scientists say wetlands and dense forests could act as natural military defences. At the same time it could be the lifeline the forest needs.This article was originally published on Mongabay

POLAND — Białowieża Forest. Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests, straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. Its wetlands and ancient trees support a dazzling array of life, but decades of drainage, drought and fragmentation have left the ecosystem under pressure. Now, it faces a new challenge. As the threat from Russia and its ally Belarus grows, Poland is strengthening its eastern border through a project called the East Shield. New military fortifications and infrastructure are planned in the region to bolster existing border security. Scientists warn that further development in and around the forest could be devastating for the ecosystem. They have, however, suggested an alternative: restore the forest, its wetlands and rivers to their natural state. The resulting landscape, dense with trees and boggy with water, not only provides important habitat but can also be practically impenetrable to heavy vehicles and ground forces. Some have dubbed this strategy “warwilding”, using restored natural landscapes as part of military strategy. The idea has found traction within the Polish military, which recognises the strategic value of natural barriers and supports efforts to restore parts of the forest. But recognizing nature’s defensive value is easier than restoring it. Hundreds of kilometers of drainage ditches still carry water away from the forest, while roads provide easy routes through terrain that could otherwise form a natural barrier. Conservationists say large-scale restoration will require coordination, funding and political will, but believe it could also be the forest’s best chance of long-term survival.…This article was originally published on Mongabay

Fireflies are disappearing from the Indonesian island of Bali… but local Wayan Wardika is trying to bring them back. Fireflies in Southeast Asia are vanishing due to habitat loss, light pollution, pesticide use, and climate change—and the same is happening on this rapidly developing island. In 2020, he launched Bring Back the Light, Indonesia’s only firefly conservation initiative. He and his small team of scientists focuses on breeding fireflies to return to the wild. But through this work, Wayan has also gathered the importance of habitat protection – only by doing so will firefly numbers be able to grow sustainably. He is now focused on encouraging neighboring farmers to ditch the chemicals and go organic, in order to boost firefly numbers. Watch the full video.This article was originally published on Mongabay

BALI — Indonesia. Wayan Wardika used to see “clouds of fireflies” as a child growing up among the rice fields of Bali, Indonesia. But 40 years later, he realized that the fireflies in his village had all but disappeared. Fireflies in Southeast Asia are vanishing due to habitat loss, light pollution, pesticide use, and climate change—and the same is happening in rapidly developing Bali. Which is a loss for us all, as fireflies are both ecologically and culturally significant. In 2020, Wayan decided to bring the fireflies back, by launching Indonesia’s only firefly conservation initiative called Bring Back the Light. He and his small team of scientists focuses on breeding fireflies to return to the wild. But through this work, Wayan has also gathered the importance of habitat protection – only by doing so will firefly numbers be able to grow sustainably. He is now focused on encouraging neighboring farmers to ditch the chemicals and go organic, in order to boost firefly numbers. Mongabay’s Video Team wants to cover questions and topics that matter to you. Are there any inspiring people, urgent issues, or local stories that you’d like us to cover? We want to hear from you. Be a part of our reporting process—get in touch with us here! Banner image: Firefly over the Bali landscape, collage. ©Rizky Maulana Yanuar Natural bridges to reconnect the last Javan gibbonsThis article was originally published on Mongabay