This grant will build capacity within the Waterton Biosphere Reserve (WBR) by strengthening communications and outreach work. Visual communication tools are foundational in social media, printed materials, advertising and educational presentations.

Images serve as the first and most effective point of entry to stories, articles, educational material, event promotion and conservation activity documentation. By presenting WBR with effective visual tools, they can engage stakeholders effectively and efficiently. Professional quality imagery instills a sense of authority, authenticity, relevance and urgency.

Stakeholder buy-in is crucial to WBR's endeavours across programs. Compelling imagery evokes intellectual and emotional responses in people, helping them imagine what the future could look like and what their role might be in this future.

Relevant, timely, high-quality imagery will enhance its membership, volunteer recruitment, project uptake and youth education. These efforts, by extension, will improve the adoption of nature-based solutions, support species at risk, reduce conflicts with wildlife and foster appreciation for sustainable development within the WBR.

This funding will support image acquisition, databasing, related planning/training time, travel expenses and stock collection by communications staff. This effort may also feature a public imagery component where stakeholders can contribute their own photos and videos via contests and visual creator profiles.