Welcome to the final part of our three part series of insights from Simon Mustoe! Last week, we took a sigh of relief after Simon shared his hope for the future of wildlife conservation amongst so much negative news. If you missed the last two parts, you can head here to check them out! We’ve saved the best for last, as today, we will find out how we can play an active part in making a difference. It has been such a pleasure to share Simon’s reflections, and we would like to send a big thanks again to Wild Tomorrow Ambassador, Jeff Phillips, and scientist/conservationist, Simon Mustoe, for sharing this exclusive interview with us!

Because their behaviour and physical impact on the land, Aadvarks have been shaping the desert for longer than we can ever imagine. That’s 5.2 million years before our species evolved and more than twice as long as any human-like animal has even existed. Photo Credit: Simon Mustoe.

What is one step a person reading this at home can take right now that would make a difference?

Learn about why animals are important. Then tell that story to everyone. We cannot possibly make any difference until we change the narrative first. We must convince everyone (scientists included) that animals are not just the icing on the cake. That wildlife conservation is practically everything we need to do to build a better future. 

There are three concepts that will help start making a positive difference.

• The first is that you are an animal like any other;

•The second is that every small action you take is potentially the most powerful contribution any creature can ever make.

• The third is that you can’t do this unless you surround yourself with wildlife.

 The idea that animals are humanity’s best hope isn’t crazy at all … it makes common sense and as animals, we know it, as it’s built into our DNA. But we’ve lost sight of this wisdom, as we’ve become disconnected to nature, our cultures and communities have collapsed, and we’ve become surrounded by broken landscapes. 

All animals are vital to our future, as we are to them. In order to protect our own future we have to find a new way to live alongside wildlife. Photo Credit: Wild Tomorrow Ambassador, Martin Meyer.

 This is an idea so powerful that it will travel fast and one step that can make a difference right now, is to talk to your MP, friends and family, and teach them why animals are humanity’s best hope. 

 Most importantly, be happy and don’t despair. There is a lot to appreciate and much hope for the future. So, spend a lot of time in nature, and learn about your local wildlife. Discover ways that nature restores itself and use this as motivation to make change. I visited coral reefs destroyed by Cyclone Winston in 2016. I could have despaired at the loss but after 7 years, the recovery is incredible. In some cases, the abundance and diversity of wildlife is even greater during that recovery. These stories are everywhere if you know how to look … but you never hear them in the media.

Remember, there is still much in the world to marvel at and enjoy. Let’s make restoring wildlife populations our society’s single aim and we can help rebuild a world rich in colourful and diverse wildlife. 

This concludes our three part series interview with Wild Tomorrow Ambassador, Jeff Phillips, and scientist/conservationist, Simon Mustoe. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed the series as much as we did, and much thanks for tuning in!

Want to hear more from Simon?

Simon can be found on his blog where he posts every month – or search his Wildlife in the Balance book to get your hands on a copy. The book is available online as an eBook and Audibook, and as a paperback to order from all good bookstores worldwide. Or you can buy direct from Simon here.

Social media links: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @wildiaries, Linkedin @simon-mustoe, @wildlife-in-the-balance

Email: simon[at]wildiaries.com

Interested in traveling with Simon? Click here!

Blog: http://simonmustoe.blog

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: INSIGHTS FROM SIMON MUSTOE