Oldman Watershed Council | Video series will show how environment and business interact
Video content is almost expected when groups make presentations, and the Lethbridge-based Oldman Watershed Council plans to develop a lot of it.
A recently launched project will shoot and release a 10 to 15 minute film, as well as numerous short videos in which businesses, organizations and interests can discuss or explore their roles in the watershed.
“I think the key message is that it’s a tool to call people to action,” said OWC executive director Shannon Frank.
“Our goal is to use the film as a tool to ask people to change their behaviour or to donate or to get involved. The hope is that it will inspire people to action.”
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Anna Garleff, the council’s communications co-ordinator, is spearheading the project, which began with finding five founding partners.
She said that task proved surprisingly easy.
“I didn’t even have to go look for them.”
The founding five include the City of Lethbridge utilities department, Heleen Jacobsen Real Estate Centre, University of Calgary faculty of law, Canadian Institute of Resources Law and the Alberta Irrigation Projects Association.
The initial film will provide a historical perspective of how the water system in southern Alberta has developed over time and how it is projected to evolve to 2060. Garleff said past OWC surveys have found limited knowledge about the watershed.
“People don’t understand where their food comes from, just like they don’t understand where their water comes from or where it goes or that they have a responsibility themselves for water quality and quantity.”
The project also involves collaborative partners, for whom short videos will be made to explain their interaction with aspects of the watershed.
“It’s a way to really allow organizations and businesses to be a part of the project and the OWC,” said Frank.
“We don’t want to just tell stories about water and wildlife all the time. We also want to share how water and wildlife are actually impacting business and vice versa, and what the two have to do with each other.”
The Oldman watershed stretches across southern Alberta and includes a major part of the province’s population, economy, industry and agricultural irrigation.
Recreational opportunities afforded by the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains also affect the watershed.
The demands within the region create conflict, so Frank and Garleff see the film and video project as a way to foster understanding.
“We need industry. We need agriculture. We need irrigation. We need all these things,” said Garleff.
“Can we do it in a more conscious manner? Can we do it through greater dialogue and above all greater awareness? The film project so far is proving to be an excellent catalyst.”
Businesses, organizations or individuals who want to get involved or receive more information can contact the OWC at 403-382-4239 or go to www.oldmanbasin.org.
