Sharks of the Sulu Sea Impact Media Campaign

Sally Snow

2022 Science Engagement (Falling Walls Engage)

Sally Snow is a zoologist and filmmaker. She is a Director for the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, an NGO dedicated to the conservation of marine megafauna and their environment in the Philippines. A passionate science communicator, she has worked with the BBC, National Geographic, S4C and PTS in diverse roles from associate producer, undercover filmmaker, self- shooting presenter and fixer for blue-chip series.

Sally believes in conservation filmmaking as a tool for behavioural change and delivering stories that connect people and the environment. Her recent work in the Philippines uses “impact media” to address knowledge gaps (identified by research), to raise awareness in key audiences (e.g. tourists, community stakeholders, government units) and create behaviour changes to protect marine wildlife and the marine environment. She was awarded the Jackson Wild Rising Star Award in 2019.

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Sharks of the Sulu Sea Impact Media Campaign

Philippines (Puerto Princesa)

‘Sharks of the Sulu Sea Impact Media Campaign’ is an education and conservation campaign to raise awareness of the value of elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates) and the action being taken to protect these species and their habitats in the province of Palawan, a global hotspot for biodiversity and centre of the illegal wildlife trade in the Philippines.

Centred around a documentary film, the campaign targets local communities and government officials, through active participation in the filming and follow-up screenings during consultation workshops and focus group discussions.

The project applies Rare’s Principles of Pride and Theory of Change (TOC), which identifies a chain of steps that must be met to achieve a conservation result. These steps are woven into the different stages of the campaign to engage target audiences in a variety of activities. The film will ultimately be used as a tool to support the implementation of site-specific policies to create dedicated protected areas in priority habitats (nurseries, feeding grounds, cleaning stations) and regulate booming marine wildlife tourism, building upon current research and conservation efforts by local groups and ensuring stakeholders active participation. The film will also showcase local scientists to inspire the next generation of conservationists.

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