Reasons for Wild Hope, September 2025
- Wildlife Works
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Forests Shape Our Ability to Dream
“Nature, like a kind and smiling mother, lends herself to our dreams” - Victor Hugo
Long before humans built homes of concrete and mattresses of polyester, our primate ancestors sought nightly refuge in the arms of trees. Cradled by their branches, the protection of trees gave early humans something rare in the animal kingdom: the gift of deep, unbroken sleep. As Harriet Rix explains in her new book Genius of Trees, this deep sleep allowed us to fully rest, process memories, and spark new ideas, nurturing the evolution of the human mind.
Trees gave our ancestors the gift of dreaming. Amidst the climate crisis today, saving trees is our way to dream of better futures.
Dreaming of Better Futures
Naomi Mrunde, who once had to resort to environmentally destructive and life-threatening work in mines, now has a safe, dignified job nurturing tree seedlings at the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project. Read Naomi’s powerful story, which shows how climate finance can protect forests by creating safe, environmentally-friendly jobs.
The Kasigau Corridor: A Dream in Bloom
Did you know that you can visit the longest standing REDD+ project?
The Rukinga Conservancy (also known as Kivuli Camp) is an eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project. While there, you’ll have the chance to witness a thriving mosaic of life including elephants, lions, zebras, and hundreds of bird species – all in a landscape that, without the REDD+project, would be at constant risk of deforestation.
You can also visit carbon-financed initiatives like new schools, clean water systems, and conservation agriculture demo gardens. Participate in community workshops that celebrate local culture, like basket weaving, and explore the challenges and solutions around human-wildlife coexistence.
The best way to understand a REDD+ project is to visit it, and we invite anyone to come see the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project first hand.
Allies of the Trees
A new scientific study has confirmed what we at Wildlife Works have always known: fighting climate change and protecting biodiversity go hand-in-hand. The study, which analyzed over 3,000 tropical forests, found that natural areas with seed dispersers such as birds, primates, and bats present sequester four times the amount of carbon as similar areas with less biodiversity. Meet some of the incredible seed dispersers of Wildlife Works REDD+ projects.
Employee Spotlight
Our global conservation work would not be possible without the dedication, expertise, and passion of our team members. Each month, get to know our team members and what they do through our Employee Spotlight Series.
In this month’s spotlight meet Fabio Rohe PhD, Wildlife Works Biodiversity Senior Specialist for Brazil. Fabio is one of the world’s leading primatologists. From discovering new species to creating community-based biodiversity monitoring initiatives that have helped save millions of hectares of forest across Brazil, Fabio’s rich experience makes him an indispensable part of our team.
Learn more about Fabio and his perspectives on using the market for community-led conservation in this Q&A.
Ready to Act for Nature?
Trees gave our ancestors the gift of dreaming. In every sapling, in every community-led project, in every seed dispersed across the land, we find reasons for wild hope. As Victor Hugo also said in his dying words, “To love is to act.” If you feel inspired to act, please consider contacting us to support one of Wildlife Works’ community-led projects.
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