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New Video! AFA’s TJ Watt’s TEDxVictoria Talk on Old-Growth Forests

Nov 28 2024/in Announcements, Educational, Video

Earlier this year, TEDxVictoria returned to the stage with the theme “It’s up to us.” Ancient Forest Alliance photographer, campaigner, and co-founder TJ Watt was selected as one of 12 speakers. Like the famed TED Talks, TEDx (which has over 40 million followers on YouTube!) events host a series of speakers who highlight new ideas, challenges, or perspectives, but on a local level.

In his presentation, One Last Shot to Protect Old-Growth Forests In British Columbia, TJ takes us on a visual journey of his work as a conservation photographer, big tree hunter, and National Geographic Explorer. With stunning imagery and passionate storytelling, he shares his life’s mission: helping to secure permanent protection for endangered ancient forests in British Columbia. His talk also touches on how he tracks down giant trees, recent campaign successes, and what solutions are still needed. Be sure to watch and share it below!

A Note from TJ

“I’ve done many talks over the years, but none made me as nervous as this. How do you convey a topic as complex as old-growth forests and your life’s mission to protect them in just 15 minutes? It’s a lot of pressure – especially on a stage in front of 700 people! The opportunity to share my message, photos, and story with such a large audience, including the global reach that TEDx offers, was too important to pass up on, though.

I’ve dedicated the past 15 years to exploring and documenting endangered old-growth forests in BC to help see them saved. From uncovering groves of ancient giants to trudging up steep mountainsides or slogging through soaked clear-cuts, it’s been a beautiful and, many times, heartbreaking journey. It was an honour to share this story on the TEDxVictoria stage. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please share it with friends and family to help raise further awareness. Thanks to the TEDxVictoria organizers for including me and everyone’s encouragement along the way.”

Portrait of Ancient Forest Alliance photographer TJ Watt at TEDxVictoria

TJ at TEDxVictoria 2024 [o] Lillie Louise Photography

Feeling inspired?

Please SHARE TJ’s TEDxVictoria talk on social media and with friends and family to help expand its reach! Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=enF8Zf4EPNg

Or, donate to support Ancient Forest Alliance‘s work to protect old-growth forests in BC.

Support Endangered Old-Growth Forests This Giving Season!

Nov 26 2024/in Announcements

The old-growth forests of British Columbia are among the most magnificent, ancient, and ecologically diverse ecosystems in the world. They also need our urgent help to protect them. With Giving Tuesday (a global day where people give and celebrate generosity) just a week away, will you help us reach our goal of raising $15,000 to support old-growth protection? We’re most grateful for anything you can give. Our Giving Tuesday campaign runs from today, Tuesday, November 26, until Tuesday, December 3, 2024, and donations are tax-deductible.

Ways you can support

1. Give a monthly or one-time donation to Ancient Forest Alliance ?

As a small charitable organization, our work is driven by donations from individuals like you. By making a monthly or one-time donation, you’ll help us carry out critical work, including supporting First Nations partners in developing Indigenous Protected Area proposals that protect old-growth, exploring and documenting endangered forests, and building and strengthening relationships with non-traditional allies to create a broad-based movement of support for ancient forest protection.

Make a charitable donation today!

2. Pick up some AFA merchandise for yourself or a loved one ?️

From our 2025 calendars to our new toque and long-sleeve tee, there are many ways to show your love for the old-growth forests of BC! As we head into the giving season, beat the rush and treat yourself or a loved one to some great gifts while helping to support our work.

*Please note: Due to the current strike, we cannot ship orders through Canada Post. A pick-up option is available if you’re in the Victoria area. Shipping via FedEx is also available. See our store at the link below for more information.

Check out the AFA store!

Because of YOUR support, over the past few years, we have made historic progress toward supporting the protection of old-growth forests in British Columbia. AFA’s specific campaigns helped secure the $1-billion BC Nature Agreement, which brings forth major funding for nature conservation in BC, including a $100-million BC Old-Growth Fund to protect the grandest old-growth forests. The province’s commitment to protect 30% of the land area by 2030 also sets the stage to essentially double the amount of protected area in BC over the next five years.

This past summer, the Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and BC NDP government also announced 760 square kilometres of new protected areas in Clayoquot Sound. The vast expansion of protection for Clayoquot, 40 years in the making, represents the largest old-growth forest protected areas victory in BC since the Great Bear Rainforest conservancies were announced in 2006. The BC government is now in discussions with dozens of First Nations across BC to establish Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), including in old-growth forests, totalling thousands of square kilometres.

However, our work is far from over. Going forward, your charitable giving will allow us to expand our work with key allies and First Nations, capture powerful new imagery, grow our hard-working team, and ensure we get the job done as effectively as possible. We’re most grateful for anything you can give.

Thank you for your support!

—The Ancient Forest Alliance team

Issy stands on a mountain with Peyto Lake in the background behind her.

Welcome our new Forest Campaigner, Issy Turnill!

Nov 26 2024/in Announcements

Issy joined AFA in the fall of 2024 as a Forest Campaigner, leaving the hustle of London for the mountains of Vancouver to be closer to the nature she’s passionate about protecting.

Her love for the outdoors started early, exploring the woodlands of Suffolk, England, and the cedar forests of southern France growing up. This early connection led her to study Anthropology to better understand the complex relationship between people and the natural world. Her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology included a semester abroad in Sydney, Australia, gaining an appreciation for Indigenous environmental knowledge, and her master’s degree in Environmental Anthropology focused on community-led conservation approaches.

For the past three years, Issy worked in London as an environmental communications consultant, raising awareness about climate and nature-based solutions. While she loved this work, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being far from the critical ecosystems she was advocating for, which sparked the move to Vancouver.

Now, Issy is thrilled to be helping protect irreplaceable old-growth forests in BC and spending her free time exploring the beauty of these ancient ecosystems firsthand.