2021 was a remarkable year, one that brought tragedy and joy, challenges and hope. While we continued to wrestle with the reality of COVID-19, we remained connected to our communities, partners, donors, and each other.
Before we get too far into 2022, let’s look back at some of our most inspiring moments and popular stories of the year that was.
1. Bringing the Science of Human Behavior to Environmental Challenges
Our Center for Behavior & the Environment (BE.Center) produced an incredible new resource to empower environmental practitioners. Together with The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel of the Global Environment Facility, the BE.Center’s comprehensive literature review and accompanying video identify the best examples of evidence-based interventions using behavioral science.
2. 
Mayors, Local Government Leaders Launch Largest Global Network Committed to Thriving Coastal Communities
In June, Rare launched the Coastal 500—a global network of mayors and local government leaders publicly pledging to act for the ocean and the people who depend on it. Hear from the mayors why they did it.
3. To Scale Behavior Change: Target Early Adopters, Then Leverage Social Proof and Social Pressure
In this Behavioral Scientist piece, the BE.Center’s Madhuri Karak and Philipe Bujold take you to Colombia where Rare’s Lands for Life program is applying a stepwise behavioral approach to shift even the most entrenched farming practices.
4. How Women in Coastal Fisheries are Adapting to Climate Change
Fishers. Traders. Local officials. Small business owners. In Indonesia and the Philippines, women in a variety of roles are leading their coastal communities’ adaptation to climate change.
5. BE.Hive Dives into Behavioral Solutions to Water Pollution
In September, Rare hosted its third BE.Hive summit—and first virtual version—exploring the intersection of behavioral science and the environment. Three hundred people from 38 countries tuned in to watch more than 30 speakers share insights, celebrate successes, and inspire new ways of thinking about the global water pollution challenge.
6. Mozambique Celebrates its First Community-managed Marine Reserve
In this short video, Rare’s Atanasio Brito and Edson Anselmo Jose share a major milestone for Rare’s Fish Forever program in Mozambique: placing the country’s first no-take reserve co-managed by local communities.
7. To Protect the Sea, Santafeños Sail Once Again
The community of Santa Fe, Honduras used to hold a sailing competition to honor its strong ties to the sea. But the races stopped as interest waned, and the health of fisheries spiraled downward. In this visual story, see how we worked with local leaders, partners, and the community to reverse the trend.
8. Three Tips for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions
In the new year, many people resolved to fight climate change by changing personal habits. But after the first month or so, those resolutions are put to the test. Rakhim Rakhimov of Rare’s BE.Center shared 3 behavioral tips for keeping your climate resolutions.
Mangroves offer vital protection against climate change, but everything from development to unsustainable fishing practices threatens them. In this four-part video series, we meet the “Mothers of the Mangroves,” women living in coastal communities along Brazil’s northern coast who not only nurture and protect these life-sustaining ecosystems, but offer global leaders an important perspective to consider in climate discussions.