Sometimes it seems “Good News” stories receive less press coverage nowadays than bad news. It’s not just that negative trends and events abound - research suggests that such stories are often found to be more attention-grabbing and compelling. Journalists, outlets and the consumer, research suggests, participate and perpetuate a kind of “negativity bias” (BBC Future, 2014).
It is, therefore, particularly important to remind ourselves of the pleasing developments of 2017. One marvellous event was the creation of the Revillagigedo Marine Reserve by the Mexican government, announced in October. Covering nearly 150,000 square kilometres, this protected area will preserve myriad of species such as whales, turtles, giant rays. Commercial construction on the encompassed islands will also not be permitted.
Figure 1. Credit: Geller-Grimm, 2002
The measure, it is expected, will allow the ecosystem in the area to recover from prolonged excessive exploitation. Fish reserves ought to “bounce back” in the medium term. Such wise decisions - as is so often the case - have a double dividend. Not only is the beauty and diversity of the natural environment preserved for future generations, it is forecast the fish stocks “at the edges” of the park will reach levels where sustainable catches can be accessed by the fishing industry in perpetuity (DW, 2017. National Geographic, 2017), securing jobs and economic activity. Eco-tourism should also boom before too long.
Figure 2. Flag of Mexico
It is amazing what can be achieved when we take a long-term view. The Mexican government and environment ministry should be praised the world over.
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Figures:
1. By Fritz Geller-Grimm (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5) or CC BY-SA 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/27/Humpback_Whale_fg1.jpg
2. Flag of Mexico. Source: Wikimedia Commons. License: Public Domain
References:
1. BBC Future “Psychology: Why Bad News Dominates the Headlines” (2014). Accessed: 28.12.17
2. DW “Mexico Creates Large Marine Reserve in the Pacific” (2017). Accessed: 28.12.17
3. “National Geographic - Largest Marine Protected Area in North America to Be Created off Mexico” (2017). Accessed: 28.12.17 https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/10/mexico-revillagigedo-oceans-pristine-seas-conservation-environment-spd/