02/05/2024
Being a good steward for Mother Earth can feel overwhelming.
Our planet is home to so many species, so much need, so much to do, and so much confusion on which path to take to care for the world around us…
That said, I’m more confident than ever that effective, sustainable wildlife conservation is doable.
I had the honor of interviewing key stakeholders in Colorado statute 33-2-105.8, which is the law that’s bringing wolves back to Colorado.
Passed in 2020, this law marked the first time in history that the people had voted for an endangered species to be reintroduced to the land.
I spent hours diving deep with wildlife conservationists, ranchers, and indigenous people who’ve lived in harmony with wolves for centuries.
Overall, these ideas rang true:
1. Questions matter.
Do we see ourselves as consumers of nature, or as a part of nature?
How does fear impact our relationship to people and to other living species?
How can we use differences as a bridge to greater understanding?
How can we create a more reciprocal relationship with the wild?
Spoiler alert: No one has the full answer to any of these questions. But discussing them helps fill in the missing pieces of the Sustainable Thriving Future puzzle.
2. Wildlife conservation is about people first.
What I mean by this is, we humans can have a hard time listening to others when it means our values are being questioned. Without listening, there is no connection. Without connection, there is no caring. Without caring, there is no way to coexist—with each other, or with any other species.
It takes a lot to put our fears and judgments aside to expand our point of view.
Yet, there are amazing human beings all over the planet who devote their lives to opening their hearts and minds to new possibilities.
And it’s these people who continue to make the world a better place for all.
3. The future of the planet depends on people and ideas working together.
Call me an idealist, but I don’t just want humans and non-humans to exist together.
I want us to thrive together.
It’s great knowing there are more people out there than I ever expected who want the same thing.
These people see differences as assets.
They’re using conflicting ideas as the fire that sheds light on what all of us need to feel safe, heard, and at home in our world.
At the end of the day, I’m proud to do the hard, messy, lifelong work of bringing people and the planet together in harmony.
And I need your help.
If you think stories about wildlife conservation and life-saving conversations deserve more airtime, head over to Reel Earth Films and make a tax-deductible donation today.
Up to 100% of every donation goes towards spreading awareness on these topics through the power of film, and supporting wildlife conservation efforts worldwide.
Cheers,
Alan