Mossy Earth: Review of 2023
In 2023, through the power of collective action and the seemingly modest contributions of our community, we’ve witnessed the extraordinary impact that small donations can have on the environment. This article serves as a testament to the monumental achievements accomplished under the banner of the green initiative, Mossy Earth.
Thanks to the unwavering support and sponsorship of individuals around the globe, including D-Studio Consulting, we’ve embarked on a journey of rewilding that spans continents and ecosystems. The myriad of projects, from reforesting the stark landscapes of Iceland to the restoration of kelp forests, showcases the profound effect of our collaborative efforts. Each donation, no matter the size, has been a vital thread in the fabric of our mission to restore the natural world.
As we delve into the highlights and achievements of the past year, we celebrate not just the actions taken but the spirit of community and dedication that made them possible. This reflection on the past year is a tribute to the power of collective action, the resilience of nature, and a forward-looking gaze into the future of environmental stewardship.
2023: A Year in Numbers for a Greener Tomorrow
In the grand narrative of environmental restoration and conservation, numbers often illuminate the path forward more vividly than words. In 2023, Mossy Earth’s unwavering dedication to fostering a more sustainable and biodiverse planet has been encapsulated in a series of remarkable achievements. These statistics not only underscore the expansive reach and impact of their efforts but also the pivotal role of each supporter and donor in this collective journey toward a greener tomorrow:
29 Projects Launched: Spearheaded by Mossy Earth, these diverse projects have each contributed to the overarching goal of reviving and sustaining natural habitats, marking significant strides towards ecosystem recovery.
75 Actions Undertaken: Reflecting this community’s active commitment to ecological restoration, these actions span from reforestation to marine conservation, illustrating the tangible steps taken to mend the fabric of the natural world.
14 Countries Engaged: With initiatives stretching across the globe—from the icy landscapes of Iceland to the cultural rich terrains of Scotland, England, Portugal, Croatia, Romania, and Benin, and extending to the ecological vibrance of Argentina—Mossy Earth has embraced a truly global approach to environmental stewardship.
6 Ecosystems Enhanced: By revitalizing a variety of ecosystems, Mossy Earth has not only showcased the interconnectedness of nature but also emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to conservation efforts.
688 Species Impacted: The broad ecological influence of Mossy Earth’s projects has positively affected hundreds of species, demonstrating the extensive environmental impact of focused conservation initiatives.
19 Passionate Team Members: The backbone of Mossy Earth, this dedicated team, which grew to include 6 new members this year, has been instrumental in driving the mission forward with unwavering passion and expertise.
Mossy Earth’s Digital Reach:
463k YouTube Channel Subscribers: Through its digital platform, Mossy Earth has not only spread awareness about environmental causes but also fostered a community of individuals united by a passion for the planet.
42.3m Channel Views & Top Video with 6m Views: These impressive digital engagement metrics highlight the global interest in and support for rewilding and conservation, further amplifying Mossy Earth’s impact.
Each figure in this summary not only represents monumental achievements in the realm of environmental conservation but also symbolizes the collective power of small contributions toward making a significant difference. The success of Mossy Earth in 2023 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when individuals come together in support of a cause greater than themselves, reinforcing the notion that every action, no matter the scale, is a step towards a healthier planet.
Highlights and Achievements: Six Key Moments of Last Year’s Journey
Reflecting on the past year, Mossy Earth’s journey through environmental conservation and rewilding efforts has been marked by numerous successes and milestones. Among these, we have selected six key moments that stand out as emblematic of the organization’s commitment to restoring the planet’s natural beauty and biodiversity. These highlights not only showcase the depth and breadth of Mossy Earth’s initiatives but also underscore the significant impact that focused conservation efforts can have on the environment.
1 . Flooding a forest
The revitalization of a rare temporary wetland near the Gabčíkovo dam stands as a testament to Mossy Earth’s commitment to ecosystem restoration. The construction of the dam had significantly impacted local wildlife, particularly the Pannonian root vole (Microtus oeconomus mehelyi), a species crucial to the area’s ecological balance.
In a notable achievement, seven individuals of the target species, including one pregnant female, were detected, highlighting the project’s immediate impact on wildlife recovery. Mossy Earth successfully excavated 650 meters of channels, reintroducing water to a 60-hectare area of floodplain forests and meadows that had been dry for over three decades.
This intervention not only restored vital wetland habitats but also combated invasive plant species through increased groundwater levels. By simulating annual floods, 35 hectares of land were completely inundated, providing essential breeding, hunting, and nesting grounds for wetland species during critical times of the year.
2 . Saving Rare Sea Cliff Plants
Mossy Earth’s initiative to save rare sea cliff plants has seen remarkable progress, significantly attributed to the active participation of the local community. Through five removal events this year, the project not only mitigated the adverse effects of the invasive ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis) but also fostered a sense of stewardship among local residents, climbers, and cliff users.
The project succeeded in restoring 2.5 hectares across 900 meters of coastline, including vertical areas through the use of specialized rigging equipment. The adoption of drone technology for more accurate and cost-effective monitoring has enhanced the detection of threats, enabling more informed restoration efforts.
Moreover, the increased involvement of local stakeholders in community events, such as invasive species removal and awareness campaigns, has played a crucial role in protecting the habitat of the target species, Convolvulus fernandesii (Corriola do-Espichel) and Euphorbia pedroi (Tabaiba do-Espichel), thereby reducing their risk of extinction and promoting ecosystem recovery.
3 . Kelp Forest Restoration
Mossy Earth’s Kelp Forest Restoration project has made significant strides in 2023, utilizing the innovative ‘green gravel’ technique to cultivate and deploy juvenile kelp in the sea. This method has led to the production and distribution of 160 trays, each containing roughly 300 golden kelp (Laminaria ochroleuca) seedlings, across three designated sites.
This collaboration with SeaForester and MARE aims to restore and create self-sustaining kelp forests on degraded reefs, enhancing marine biodiversity, carbon storage, fish stocks, and water quality in kelp seaweed forests habitats.
4 . Native Oyster & Seagrass
The Native Oyster & Seagrass project embarked on extensive intertidal and subtidal surveys in the Inner Moray Firth, utilizing ROV drop-down surveys and drone mapping to gather baseline data on the target species, including the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) and common (Zostera marina) and dwarf eelgrass (Zostera noltei).
Collaborating with the Moray Ocean Community, over 123 hectares of seagrass bed were mapped, and continuous engagement with 41 stakeholders, including shellfish farmers and community groups, has been established. The project aims to restore vital sub-tidal coastal mudflats, furthering the establishment of a dedicated oyster nursery in the Cromarty Firth to bolster local biodiversity and ecosystem health.
5 . Rewilding a Former Mining Site
Mossy Earth’s project on rewilding a former mining site has successfully transformed the area into a thriving habitat through meticulous earthworks around the lake system. These enhancements included diversifying water depths, smoothing banks, increasing the meandering of margins, and creating Mediterranean temporary ponds.
The initiative led to the discovery of near-threatened species via eDNA surveys, including 31 groups of vertebrates and 173 groups of invertebrates. Autumn aquatic plant surveys revealed a rich diversity within water plant communities, with 35 vascular plants and 2 charophytes identified, some of which are rare species and others listed on Portugal’s Red List of threatened plants.
The project aimed to augment the flooded area and diversify aquatic and bird nesting habitats, supporting a wide range of bird species, amphibians, reptiles, including several endangered species, and mammals.
6 . Reforesting Iceland
The reforesting Iceland project has made remarkable progress in bringing back the native Icelandic birchwood to the land of fire and ice. Over the past year, 181,815 Downy Birch trees were planted, creating 95 hectares of new birch woodland in the Þjórsárdalur valley. This effort builds upon the previous year’s planting of 60,000 trees, culminating in a total of 150 hectares of birch woodland restoration.
The project not only aims to reverse the degradation of Icelandic soils but also enhances biodiversity, resilience to storms, and carbon capture capabilities. Through restoring the native birchwood forests, Mossy Earth is contributing to the ecological and environmental health of Iceland, with a focus on the Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) as the target species for these reforestation efforts.
Co-founder insight of what’s to come
Matt Davies, a co-founder of Mossy Earth, looks back on 2023 as a foundational year for the organization, aimed at streamlining processes to match the organization’s recent expansion. “2023 was all about organizing our efforts and strengthening our team in preparation for the exciting challenges ahead,” he says. With the groundwork laid, Mossy Earth is now gearing up to launch ambitious landscape and seascape projects in Ecuador, Portugal, Iceland, Indonesia, and Scotland in 2024.
These countries are set to become Mossy Earth’s primary focus areas, reflecting a strategic move towards intensifying the organization’s presence and impact in key regions. “While we will persist in our endeavors across the existing project locations, our efforts in 2024 will be concentrated in these five hubs, marking a significant step forward in our mission to restore nature.”
Matt’s outlook for Mossy Earth is not just a reflection of past achievements but a beacon for future aspirations, highlighting the organization’s commitment to global environmental restoration and sustainability.
Conclusion
As Mossy Earth closes an impactful 2023, this article has celebrated the monumental achievements fueled by collective action and modest contributions from a global community. Highlights include restoring diverse ecosystems across 14 countries, impacting 688 species, and engaging in 29 projects that ranged from rewilding former mining sites to reforesting Icelandic landscapes.
The organization’s digital platform also saw remarkable growth, further spreading awareness and engagement. Co-founder Matt Davies reflects on the year as a foundational period, setting the stage for ambitious projects in Ecuador, Portugal, Iceland, Indonesia, and Scotland in 2024. These efforts will not only continue but also expand, focusing on these five hubs to intensify Mossy Earth’s presence and impact. This journey underscores the power of small contributions towards significant environmental restoration, showcasing a steadfast commitment to a healthier planet.
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