Conservation Visions

WE ARE AT A TIPPING POINT...

The natural diversity of our planet has dramatically declined in recent decades. The encroachment of human settlements on previously wild lands, the over-exploitation of natural resources, habitat loss due to industrial development, and human-induced climate change are just some of the many pressures that have brought our planet to the brink.

Yet, humanity remains entirely dependent on the natural world. As a species, we co-exist, critically and inevitably connected to all others, and to the life support systems of this planet. With all of nature, we share a common future. And so, our cultural diversity, too, hangs in the balance.

Saving what is left of Earth’s biodiversity has never been more important, nor more challenging.

WHO WE ARE

Conservation Visions® is a private Canadian enterprise, spearheaded by prominent Newfoundland-born researcher and nature conservation advocate, Shane Mahoney. Dedicated to the preservation of wild species, wild spaces, and human cultural diversity, the Conservation Visions Team supports the application of scientific, indigenous and local knowledge in environmental management approaches; and recognizes the benefits of sustainable wildlife use as a driver for improved, incentivized conservation and more resilient human livelihoods.

We are scientists, researchers, educators, advocates, professional networkers, creators, and – most importantly – highly effective communicators.

WHY WE EXIST

If we are to meet the challenges of nature depletion, participants across the conservation spectrum must commit to coordinated, collaborative efforts that elevate shared priorities, regardless of philosophical differences. Successful nature conservation requires evidence-based solutions that combine and amplify diverse voices rallying for the repair, restoration, and management of healthy ecosystems. It requires practical interventions that inherently recognize how human livelihoods, health, and well-being are co-dependant upon the same natural systems and processes that maintain wildlife and habitats. Above all, conservation today requires revolutionary approaches and innovative, disruptive marketing of novel ideas. We cannot be content with the status quo. Doing so will inevitably lead to an ever more depleted world. Bold, new visions for conservation are urgently needed.

Conservation Visions® was founded on these ideals and exists in pursuit of such solutions. We work to build bridges between seemingly disparate stakeholders; to oppose the divisiveness that hampers conservation progress; to encourage, empower, and enable individuals and organizations to take action for wildlife and human heritage protection; and to disrupt unproductive norms – to introduce novel approaches and new messaging strategically designed to effect real, positive change for nature and for people.

1. RESEARCH

Conservation Visions® holds a wealth of knowledge and expertise in conducting and publishing scientific research and exploring complex wildlife and nature conservation issues and solutions. Our current research focus includes socio-economic evaluations of natural resource use/development options, landscape management planning and community-based stewardship, and climate change implications for resources and communities. These priorities are reflected

in Conservation Visions’® Wild Harvest Initiative®; the first comprehensive effort to evaluate the combined economic, conservation, and human health benefits of recreational wild animal harvests in Canada and the United States.

We are adept at project design and management and work cooperatively with partners, clients, and select conservation-based organization and academic institutions to help implement their research requirements. We provide advice and knowledge mobilization expertise to the international conservation community in support of global research initiatives designed to guide international environmental policy and decision-making. We also offer custom data management and analytics solutions, including database construction, cloud computing, and managed backup systems.

2. ADVOCACY

Advocacy begins with commitment but relies on successful communication to effect change. Conservation Visions® has strong conservation convictions but recognizes that generating scientific data is not enough; information must be carefully interpreted, successfully communicated, and targeted to the right audiences. With robust in-house expertise in content and media design, audience identification, and effective message delivery across a variety of platforms, we are focused on influencing public opinion and shaping environmental policy.

While our primary geographic focus is North America, our reach extends beyond Canada and the United States to the international community. We have established channels of communication with many of the world’s leading environmental organizations and institutions, as well as with state and regional governments. It is this unique reach that strengthens and broadens Conservation Visions’® sphere of influence and allows us to advocate effectively, and efficiently, for shared priorities.

Shane Mahoney, remains, personally and professionally, a high-profile proponent of nature conservation and sustainable use. Under his leadership, Conservation Visions® offers both student and executive training workshops. He may also be booked for speaking engagements, academic lectures, panel appearances, and special appearances for film, television, or radio/podcasts.

3. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

To enable a truly global effort for conservation, voices from across the spectrum must be heard and informed. Strategic networking is essential to advise and influence conservation policy, and collaboration is key to successfully bringing great ideas to life.

Conservation Visions® offers services as both convener and spokesperson. Our Team engages directly with some of the largest conservation bodies working in North America and internationally, on behalf of partners and clients, including government agencies, NGOs, outdoor industry leaders, professional environmentalists, academics, and private philanthropists. We help to inform decisions influencing global conservation policy; excel in convening representatives from multiple sectors for single or multi-meeting processes, especially on complex wildlife conservation and management issues; and are experienced in hosting, planning, and facilitating traditional and virtual meeting formats.

Conservation Visions® is also, itself, a collaborative “meeting place” where diverse interests can comfortably engage to effectively identify, and advance, shared priorities. We connect key investors and practitioners; provide a neutral platform for idea exploration; moderate discussions; enable shared access to common resources; and facilitate strategic planning and partnerships.

4. CREATIVE MARKETING

We are experts in bold, disruptive messaging, content creation, and social media management. Conservation Visions® can leverage our innovative conservationbased communications and unique marketing expertise to your advantage.

Our Team has rapidly built a dedicated, global audience of diverse stakeholders in conservation and has a proven ability to successfully reach and engage impressive numbers of sustainable use supporters and (of equal importance), critics, in North America and around the world. Our messaging has proven to hold unique appeal, garnering attention generally, but also respect across the conservation world, including from environmentalists, proponents of sustainable wildlife use, and even those who are opposed to animal use.

We specialize in short film production and public service announcements; script-writing services for film, television, and radio; article and blog writing; technical writing services, including position statements focused on wildlife conservation science and natural resource management; editorial services; educational curricula design; and social post design and creation. Products are 100% customized to meet your specific needs and to align with broader communication goals. Samples are available on request.

Social media management is a collaborative, creative, and administrative service.

It includes creating, scheduling, promoting, monitoring, and analyzing content, as well as audience building and engagement. Conservation Visions® works with clients to develop customized, strategic social media programs designed to realize measurable goals. This service is specifically structured to help partners and clients save time, increase profile and influence, take control of their brands’ reputations, and foster meaningful innovation in a cost-efficient manner. Metrics are included. Contact us to discuss a free trial.

OUR PARTNERS

Conservation Visions’ client and partner roster includes a diverse group of outdoor industry leaders, government agencies, national and international NGOs, and private philanthropists. This broad consortium reflects the company’s inclusive values and consensus building philosophy.

If you are interested in learning more about Conservation Visions’® products and services, please reach out to us at: insights@conservationvisions.com