Conserving our
great wilderness
Combining storytelling with social and behavioural science.
Turning stories into tools to propel lasting change.
I'm passionate about the intersection of storytelling, social behavioural science and action. I aim to ignite positive change and preserve our precious wilderness by weaving together narratives that captivate hearts, challenge minds and spark conversations while facilitating and inspiring action at a deeper level.
My work begins with thorough research, delving into social and behavioural insights to craft stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Each narrative is carefully tailored to specific communities, drawing upon local knowledge and experiences to create authentic and culturally sensitive content that drives tangible conservation impact.
Collaboration lies at the core of my approach. I collaborate closely with communities, stakeholders, and experts to co-create narratives and develop strategic impact campaigns around our films. Together, we break down barriers and tackle conservation challenges effectively. By fostering partnerships and leveraging collective expertise and resources, we amplify the reach and sustainability of our storytelling efforts.
Furthermore, I'm committed to empowering local teams and enhancing their expertise in social and behavioural science. Through the collaboration of local teams, I am able to run real-world evaluations of social impact and assess the positive changes, enhance the field of impact storytelling and inform future conservation strategies, ensuring a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship.
Evaluating the role of impact storytelling in preserving traditional knowledge for the prosperity of the Okavango Delta and its inhabitants.
I had the great opportunity to join the National Geographic Society with the exciting task of guiding the impact strategy for Nkashi: Race for the Okavango and delving into deep social science research. Our goal was to explore how the film's inclusive and impactful storytelling made a difference in shaping beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes within local communities around their relationship with traditional knowledge and its benefits to the Okavango Delta and its inhabitants.
Our collaborative efforts have been truly inspiring, contributing to the ongoing work of the Botswana Wild Bird Trust and the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP) which celebrate the rich tapestry of culture, identity, and traditions that play a vital role in preserving the Okavango Delta and nurturing sustainable livelihoods.
The Okavango Delta holds a special place as the lifeline for over a million people and stands as a beacon of biodiversity in Africa. However, while the Delta is protected within Botswana, the broader Okavango River Basin faces challenges without similar safeguards in place. In response to this pressing need, the NGOWP has been tirelessly surveying and collecting scientific data on the river systems as well as fostering a connection with local communities and their heritage as a means for conservation. Through close collaboration with NGOs, governments, and grassroots organizations, NGOWP is working hand in hand to protect and preserve the greater basin for generations to come.
Uniting the voices of the Serengeti to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of this vital ecosystem.
I spearheaded an impactful campaign aimed at shedding light on the intricate interconnectedness of the Serengeti ecosystem and mobilising both local and international support to preserve its delicate balance of species. This endeavour involved crafting strategic outreach and engagement plans, as well as orchestrating a network of over 10 outreach partners, including esteemed organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation and the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
In collaboration with local partners in Tanzania, we organized community screenings, creating valuable opportunities for residents within the Serengeti ecosystem to watch the film, delve into their environment, and engage in meaningful discussions. As part of our broader campaign, we also curated endorsement materials from respected conservation experts like Rian Labuschagne, offering educational insights into ongoing conservation efforts.
Moreover, the impact of 'Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa' was further amplified through the innovative SnapShot Safari app developed by the University of Minnesota Lion Center. This partnership not only enhanced audience engagement but also addressed the pressing need for more accurate assessments of wildlife populations. Audiences were invited to actively participate in conservation efforts by identifying wildlife pictures from 225 camera traps deployed in the Serengeti, fostering a sense of connection and ownership in safeguarding this remarkable ecosystem.
Inspiring ocean stewardship through Hope Spots and
making knowledge accessible.
I had the privilege of contributing to the creation of inclusive educational materials for schools in collaboration with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and Living Oceans. Together, we aimed to spark curiosity about the wonders of the natural world and foster a deep connection with marine science, biodiversity, ocean currents, and climate among students.
Drawing inspiration from Sylvia Earle’s Hope Spots, our educational guides encouraged students to explore these designated areas to understand the threats they face, the invaluable ecosystem services they provide, and the urgent need for their protection.
These Hope Spots, identified by organizations like Mission Blue and Perpetual Planet, are more than just locations; they are vital sanctuaries for ocean health, championed by dedicated conservationists supported by Mission Blue through communication efforts, expeditions, and scientific guidance.
With over 157 Hope Spots covering an impressive 57,577,967 square kilometers of the ocean, Mission Blue is actively contributing to the global goal of safeguarding 30% of the ocean's surface area by 2030. Through our educational initiatives, we are empowering students to become stewards of the ocean, nurturing a new generation of passionate advocates for marine conservation.
Shedding light on the work of the Lion Guardians.
Moreover, I had the chance to serve as a vital bridge between the BBC Natural History Unit and KopeLion, a remarkable local initiative dedicated to promoting human-lion coexistence in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In this region, the increasing conflicts between humans and lions, spurred by factors such as habitat loss, degraded landscapes, and rising poverty, have taken a toll on lion populations, leading to the isolation of the Crater lions from the broader Serengeti ecosystem.
My focus was centred on providing comprehensive scientific research on lion behaviour and delivering regular monitoring updates from collared lions.
Additionally, I played a role in shaping narratives and identifying strategic entry points to amplify the stories and voices of the lion guardians, known as Ilchokuti.
These guardians are the unsung heroes actively involved in preventing and mitigating human-lion conflicts. Trained in wound treatment, finding lost livestock, reinforcing livestock enclosures, warning herders about lions' presence, and translating GPS data, they play a pivotal role in fostering a harmonious coexistence between local communities and wildlife in the area.