Interviews

What does it take to become an advocate for wildlife? Is it a deep love for nature, a commitment to conservation – perhaps a touch of bravery when confronting the unpredictable impacts of climate change? Is it just as simple as taking a photo?

In a world where technology is often blamed for disconnecting us from nature, the Canadian Wildlife Federation is flipping the script. Through initiatives like the iNaturalist app and the Great Canadian Bioblitz, CWF is turning everyday humans into citizen scientists, arming them with the tools to track biodiversity and contribute to conservation efforts. But, as I learned in my interviews with CWF’s David DeRocco and Annie Langlois, there’s more to this story than just tech. From the digital realms of biodiversity tracking to the nostalgic roots of Hinterland Who’s Who, CWF is weaving together the old and the new in a mission to continue to protect Canada’s wildlife.

David DeRocco: Bridging Technology, Public Policy, and Conservation

The Canadian Wildlife Federation was founded in 1962. It’s one of Canada’s leading conservation organizations, dedicated to the preservation and sustainable management of wildlife and their habitats across the country. With a mission to inspire the conservation of Canada’s natural heritage through education, advocacy, and hands-on initiatives, CWF plays a crucial role in addressing the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.  As the senior manager of marketing at CWF, David DeRocco is at the helm of efforts to connect people with nature in meaningful ways. 

One of CWF’s newest initiatives is the Great Canadian Bioblitz, a nationwide event that invites citizens to participate in biodiversity monitoring. A bioblitz is a 24-hour inventory of species in an ecologically sensitive impact, and 2024 marks the first year CWF is hosting such an event that will target Canadians wherever they are. “The idea is that you go in… …inventory all the wild species that you can find, take a snapshot of the ecological health in that area, and you can come back in the future.”

Beyond participation numbers, the success of the Bioblitz can be also measured by its long-term impact on conservation efforts. “The number of observations made are critical, but even more critical are the verifying of the observations,” David emphasizes. Events like these are not just about counting species, but also about influencing public policy and legislative change. Inclusivity and accessibility are also key to the Bioblitz’s success. Of course, even a Bioblitz has its ethical challenges — after all, when you invite the public into the wild, things can get, well, wild. David acknowledges the delicate balance between gathering accurate data and protecting the very creatures being studied. It’s a fine line to walk, but one that CWF navigates with care, he acknowledges, diving into the delicate balance between gathering accurate data and ensuring that participants don’t accidentally trample on the very creatures they’re trying to save.

In Canada, every observation that you make in a bioblitz (and take a photo of) will automatically be put into the Canadian database through an app called iNaturalist. Imagine combining the thrill of Pokémon Go with the noble cause of saving the planet — that’s how David describes the experience of using iNaturalist, a free downloadable app and website. But beneath the comparison, there’s a serious commitment to ensuring that the data collected through iNaturalist doesn’t just sit on a server somewhere. David continues emphasizes that this treasure trove of information is meant to be shared widely, benefiting both scientists and curious citizens alike. He also shared some of the messaging strategies that have proven most effective for CWF, emphasizing the power of positive, action-oriented narratives.

In David’s view, the next generation isn’t just the future — they’re the ones already leading the charge, armed with smartphones and an insatiable curiosity. Looking ahead, David is optimistic about the future of wildlife conservation in Canada. He sees numerous opportunities for CWF to expand its impact, from leveraging new technologies to engaging more diverse communities in conservation efforts. Stories that stick, narratives that inspire — these are the tools David uses to turn concern into commitment. 

While David is all about the future, Annie Langlois offers a bridge to the past. As another vital force within the Canadian Wildlife Federation, she dedicates her expertise to tackling the complex web of environmental stressors that threaten Canada’s biodiversity. These stressors — ranging from habitat fragmentation and pollution to the relentless spread of invasive species — create a daunting challenge. Annie explained into the meticulous process CWF undertakes to assess and prioritize which ecosystems or species require immediate attention. In regions experiencing rapid environmental changes, these decisions are often tough, requiring a careful balance between urgency and long-term impact. Annie’s work is not just about reacting to these stressors but understanding their cumulative effects on entire ecosystems. CWF’s approach to these cases is holistic, considering how multiple threats interact and amplify each other, thereby ensuring that conservation efforts are both targeted and effective.

This comprehensive approach is crucial when it comes to ensuring the long-term sustainability of conservation efforts. For Annie, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the bedrock of her conservation philosophy. In a world increasingly altered by human activity, the survival of species and ecosystems depends on the strategies we implement today. Annie shared some of the forward-thinking approaches that CWF has developed to adapt to the unpredictable challenges posed by climate change. These strategies are designed to be flexible and resilient, capable of evolving as new threats emerge. From rewilding initiatives to habitat restoration, these efforts are as much about healing the land as they are about securing a future where wildlife and human communities can thrive together.

No conversation about Canadian wildlife would be complete without mentioning Hinterland Who’s Who, a program that has become as iconic as the animals it features. For Annie, Hinterland Who’s Who is more than just a series of nostalgic vignettes — it’s a cornerstone of CWF’s mission to engage the public in conservation. As the overseer of the iconic program, she’s tasked with ensuring that this beloved series continues to educate and inspire new generations. 

Originally commissioned by the Canadian Wildlife Service and brought to life by the National Film Board, Hinterland’s Who’s Who, which first graced television screens in 1963, has become something of a cultural treasure. It set out with a simple yet powerful goal: to generate interest in Canada’s wildlife through one-minute vignettes that aired during commercial breaks. But Hinterland Who’s Who is far from stuck in the past. The program has evolved far past John Cacavas’ ‘Flute Poem’ and John Livingston’s narration, now incorporating modern storytelling techniques and digital platforms to reach today’s tech-savvy youth. 

In 2003, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, in partnership with the Government of Canada, embarked on a mission to breathe new life into Hinterland Who’s Who. Annie shared with me some exciting updates, including plans for new episodes that delve into contemporary issues like climate change and habitat loss. As the series continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the power of storytelling in inspiring action and fostering a deeper appreciation for the wild wonders of Canada. 

As Annie Langlois reflects on the future of conservation, it’s clear that the work being done today is about more than just protecting wildlife; it’s about building a legacy of resilience and hope. CWF’s commitment to innovative, science-driven solutions ensures that the wild spaces and species that define Canada will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Yet, the path to conservation is often lined with unexpected moments and challenges, as the work on the ground brings together science, tradition, and a touch of ingenuity. This blend is perfectly illustrated in one of the more endearing yet critical efforts by the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) — their collaboration with local fishermen to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. These majestic creatures often face the peril of becoming entangled in fishing gear, a threat that has left many with severe injuries or worse. In an effort to address this, CWF introduced the CanFISH Gear Lending Program, a quirky yet practical solution that could be likened to giving these whales a “get out of jail free” card in the high-stakes game of survival.

The program provides fishermen with innovative gear designed to minimize entanglement risks. This includes “weak” rope that breaks under the force of a whale’s struggle, allowing them to escape without injury, and on-demand fishing gear that keeps ropes off the water’s surface unless actively in use. Through this initiative, CWF not only supports the livelihood of fish harvesters but also contributes to the recovery of one of the most vulnerable whale populations.

One of the fishermen involved shared that while the initial adaptation to on-demand gear was challenging, it eventually proved to be a win-win: protecting the whales while allowing the fishermen to maintain their livelihoods. This collaboration is a shining example of how creativity and cooperation can lead to solutions that benefit both humans and wildlife, demonstrating that even in the serious world of conservation, there’s room for a bit of ingenuity and perhaps a touch of humor. After all, who knew that the fight to save a species could involve something as simple as a better rope?

As we continue my series on Canadian conservation efforts, one thing is clear: the future of wildlife protection lies at the intersection of technology and tradition. The Canadian Wildlife Federation is leading the charge, not just by embracing new tools, but by staying true to the principles that have always guided conservation work. This forward-thinking mindset, combined with a deep respect for the past, offers a roadmap for ensuring that the natural world remains a vital part of Canada’s future. Through collaboration, education, and a steadfast dedication to sustainability, the Canadian Wildlife Federation is not just reacting to environmental threats but actively shaping the landscape of conservation for years to come. Whether you’re a young activist or a seasoned environmentalist, you’re part of a movement that’s as old as Canada itself, and just as vital to its future.