“Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration” is a theme being followed worldwide. With the pandemic and several other damages our planet has seen, healing and restoration is the need of the hour. This theme for 'World Wildlife Day' in 2022 reminds us of the need to reset our relationship with nature and to address the greatest threats to our biodiversity. Each year several species are driven to extinction or become endangered. Illegal trade of flora and fauna is a big factor that contributes to biodiversity loss. In fact illegal trade of protected plant and animal species is considered as one of the most profitable illegal industries worldwide. 

Anatole France had said that unless one has loved an animal our soul remains unawakened! It goes without saying that we're all part of the huge circle of life and the slightest disruption has consequences. The more we talk about sustainable choices, climate action and protecting the planet as a whole, the more people are urged to take the right steps. The only way to reverse the fate of critically endangered species is to support the restoration of their habitats. 

We are delighted to see our CauseAChatter champions taking these steps and sharing the word. Every niche can include social causes in some way. If you're wondering how you can find space in your niche to do the same, here are a few examples:

Using your niche for CauseAChatter

Lifestyle bloggers: A lifestyle blog can talk about sustainable changes in everyday life, environmental benefits of gardening, household products that are natural, sustainable ways to shop and so much more. Basically you can talk about all the ways we can reduce our carbon footprint and conserve resources. Prasannakumary explains in detail what sustainable living is in her post. 

Book bloggers: One of the best ways to learn more about conserving nature is to consume literature on various topics. Books written by wild life experts, natural historians, nature conservationists, travelogues by people who have a close hand experience with wildlife can help us understand the species around the world. Only when we know, do we care. Ritu has been talking about such books. Here is an example. And here's a post speaking about author and naturalist Zai Whitaker.

Fashion/beauty bloggers: The fashion and beauty industry emits a lot of pollutants that are a result of exploitation of plant and animal life. They also are harmful to those who use these products. Lately, sustainable products and conscious fashion are taking the front row and many of us have begun switching to them. Harjeet talks about a sustainable beauty routine and Sindhu talks about sustainable gift options for make up lovers.

Food bloggers: Vegetarainism, veganism or non vegetarian food options? There is always an ongoing debate around this. However, there are ways to consume food sustainably no matter what you eat. Food bloggers who are vegan or vegetarian share recipes, talk about sustainable food outlets, organic ingredients and where to find them. There are also sustainable meat options that can be explored so our meat eating remains conscious. Anuradha talks about 'Living to eat or eating to live.'

Law blogs: If you are a lawyer or someone working in an NGO, or maybe just interested in the law, you can make people aware of the laws around sustainability, wildlife conservation and more. Use your knowledge to discuss legal rights, rights of animals, laws passed for their protection, against poaching and illegal slaughter and so much more. These are lesser explored areas not many of us know about so it is good to throw light on them.

Travel bloggers: Especially since the pandemic began to show signs of subsiding, sustainable travel has been the talk of the town. We love to travel to breathtakingly beautiful places that are a part of our ecosystem. We love jungle safaris and wild life sanctuaries. We love to sometimes move away from the business of a routine and sink into nature's beauty. But travel has had an impact on these otherwise untouched treasures of nature. Travel blogs, apart from itineraries can also talk about sustainable packing, how to dispose of garbage consciously, what to carry and what not to that would harm the environment, minimalistic travel etc. Sustainable travel minimizes the negative impact of tourism.

Culture and Entertainment bloggers: Talking about culture and entertainment involves history, pop culture, movies, series. Did you know about this ancient game called Pallanguzhi that helped bridge the gap between the rich and poor by ensuring equal distribution of seeds? This way th,e balance in our ecosystem was maintained and everyone got equal opportunites. There are many such references in history that speak of how our ancestors lived consciously. Now we have many forms of content to consume that convey beautiful messages. In order to learn more about wildlife and nature, David Attenborough's documentaries are one of the best. Tomichan also discusses a Malayalam story about climate change and turtles dying. Here are few other movies on wildlife to watch. Reviews on these documentaries and movies might help someone pick them for their next watch and learn something new!

Science and Tech bloggers: Science and Technology is always developing. They are fundamental to intelligent management and use of natural resources. With smart technology we are able to consume less energy, build better infrastructure with lesser damage to the environment, and also contribute greatly to economic development. Ecommerce sites are switching to sustainable packaging, optimizing packaging waste and also supporting sustainable MSMEs. Changemakers among common people in India are thinking of innovative ways to save the environment and have earned the title of heroes of sustainability. Their model is followed by several others. These are stories that inspire others telling them that anyone can bring about change. Science and technology can be a sustainability partner and help is in restoring our ecosystem to its former glory.

A window to talk about social causes can be found in every niche because whatever the world is made of is based on the planet we live in and the interactions we have with one another. Whatever we love to do, engage with or even our field of work is part of the ecosystem. That is why the power of collective effort will always matter in restoring this ecosystem.

What is your niche in blogging? Have you spoken about social causes via your niche? If not, here's what we're doing at CauseAChatter in 2022.