Conservation Optimism Summit

14:45-15:15 Celebrating Conservation Heroes
Danni Parks
The talk will provide an introduction to the Whitley Fund for Nature and the charity's flagship grants programme, the Whitley Awards. The Awards celebrate the success of grassroots conservation leaders, demonstrate that conservation efforts are achieving results and provide a reason for optimism. Winning one of these prestigious international prizes (or 'Green Oscars' as they are often known) can be a game changer for local conservationists – elevating their projects under an international Public Relations spotlight and helping to give them a voice when it comes to dealing with policy makers on the local, national or international stage. Many of the Whitley alumni have gone on to hold important positions in their own countries, with several obtaining Ministerial portfolios and gaining leadership roles in the internal conservation arena. The Award also helps to open fundraising doors and leverage further support for winners' work, by funding at the right time. Short Awardee films will be shown to illustrate the variety of projects and leaders recognised. The session will be closed by a discussion of 'What we mean by a Conservation Hero' and how the sector can pull together to reverse the public perception of conservation being a 'doom and gloom' subject; looking to the future with a sense of optimism, whilst retaining urgency and a clear need for public action and support.

Special room needs
Digital Projector
Sound
Access to internert for online streaming of films
Whiteboard
Markers
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15:15 - 16:15  Conservation Storytelling: How to Share Your Success through Compelling Images and Videos
Rose Hancock-Pook and Gabby Salazar

Photography plays an irreplaceable role in conservation storytelling and, when used effectively, can help share your conservation success story with the world. Anyone can generate insightful and powerful content, if just a few golden rules are followed. This workshop provides practical tips and tricks to help conservation professionals create compelling multimedia stories, even on a shoe-string budget. After exploring the latest research and case-studies in effective storytelling formats and image-led conservation marketing, we'll provide practical tips for using any camera (from a smartphone to a DSLR) to create interesting images in the field. Bring your smartphone or camera with you! 

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Special room needs
Digital Projector
Whiteboard
Markers
Room set up: 30 chairs. Access to outside space or break out space would be great as we will be photographing