Who is Leading this Project?

The documentary film and this campaign is being produced by Lloyd Salomone (photo right) of Flower Power Production Inc. and is being directed by Kent Martin (photo left). The goal of the documentary is to explain the purpose of bioblitz's and their importance to ecosystem management, and to highlight some of the many people who really care about Earth's biodiversity. Upon completion, the documentary film will be distributed in Canada and internationally through schools, museums, community groups, film festivals, television broadcasters and online streaming platforms (Vimeo,YouTube).

Who are the Major Partners?

This crowdfunding campaign is specifically aimed at raising funds for the completion of the documentary. The campaign is being promoted in partnership with the Documentary Organization of Canada. The filming of the NBM BiotaNB bioblitz was completed through a partnership with the New Brunswick Museum. We are very fortunate to have the continued guidance and support of the NBM as the project develops.

What's a Bioblitz?

A bioblitz happens when a group of biodiversity scientists, students and others set out to document as completely as possible, biological diversity within a set geographic area over a defined time frame. Typically the defined time frame is 24-48 hours, but the NBM program stretches to 14 consecutive days each year due to the size and remoteness of the sites being investigated.  

Why is This Important?

In order to track changes in biodiversity, both locally and globally, we need a baseline to start from. The NBM BiotaNB program is providing that baseline for Protected Natural Areas across New Brunswick. The information will also inform conservation decisions across the broader Atlantic Maritime landscape. Since 2009 researchers with NBM BiotaNB have discovered dozens of species new to New Brunswick, Canada, North America, and even new to science. During NBM BiotaNB 2015, in addition to identifying species new to the region, 300 year old Red Pines were discovered, which are the oldest in the Atlantic region.

What Does This Film Cover?

This documentary follows the activities of biodiversity researchers and students during the 2013 – 2014 NBM BiotaNB bioblitz in the Grand Lake Protected Natural Area (PNA). The Grand Lake PNA is a 10,697 hectare conservation region that includes some of the most significant wetlands in the Atlantic region. The film takes the viewer on a journey through magnificent wetlands and forest communities as biodiversity scientists share their passion for “Every Living Thing” by explaining the importance of little-known life-forms that define the Atlantic Canada Maritime landscape.

Why Do We Need Your Help?

We have been offered a grant of $25,000 towards completion of this film dependent on raising a matching $25,000 in funds. We have a deadline and must raise these funds by September 2015 in order to receive the matching grant.

Where Will This Money Go?

This funding will be managed by Flower Power Production Inc. and used to finish the post production of the film. Any additional funds will be used for film promotion through social media and an interactive website, and distribution through schools, museums, community groups, film festivals, television broadcasters and online streaming platforms (Vimeo,YouTube).

What if the Goal Isn't Met?

If our entire goal is not met, we will use whatever funds are raised towards the completion of the film.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you can't contribute financially, please help us by sharing this campaign through Twitter, Facebook and with everyone you know!

                   

Images courtesy of the New Brunswick Museum and photographers Arielle Demerchant and Kent Martin.