Conservation Through Storytelling

While charismatic superstars like pandas and elephants may take centre stage in most conservation marketing campaigns, there are countless endangered species who stay in the shadows. From lichen to slugs, these “non-charismatic” species are understudied and underfunded but still ecologically essential.
In this workshop, storytelling becomes a tool for the conservation of overlooked species. Participants will be guided through interactive writing prompts, engage in discussion and walk away with a new appreciation for the underdogs of conservation. No writing experience required!
About the facilitator: Illyria Volcansek is an undergraduate student research assistant with Dr. Madhur Anand’s Global Ecological Change & Sustainability Lab at the University of Guelph. Over the past year, she has been working on an extensive project that explores more-than-human charisma through short stories, research, and interactive fiction. Her essays and poetry have been published in the student journals Inventio and Kaleidoscope. Illyria is excited to start her graduate studies at the Global Campus of Human Rights this fall.