This spring, TEDxVictoria returned to the region, and saw several experts speak about issues facing not only BC, but the international community.
One speaker was TJ Watt, an environmental advocate, Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) photographer, self-proclaimed big-tree hunter and National Geographic explorer.
His TEDx Talk was titled ‘One Last Shot to Protect Old-Growth Forests in British Columbia.’
In his time on stage, Watt issued an urgent and passionate call for the permanent protection of these old-growth ecosystems.
“I’m honoured to have been a TEDxVictoria speaker and to have the opportunity to share my life’s mission to protect endangered old-growth forests in BC with the world,” said Watt.
“These forests are among the most majestic, vital, and imperilled ecosystems on Earth; without protection, they are at risk of being lost forever.”
He says that over 80% of the productive old-growth forests have already been logged on Vancouver Island, which includes over 90% of the valley bottoms where the biggest trees grow and the richest biodiversity exists.
“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 documenting these forests,” Watt added.
(More below)
Watt has worked hard with AFA and dedicated his life to capturing the beauty and destruction of old-growth forests in BC.
He used many of his photos and told stories of his experiences during his TEDxVictoria Talk, taking the audience on a visual and emotional journey.
One of his biggest personal victories was helping protect the Avatar Grove near Port Renfrew in Pacheedaht territory.
Additionally, Watt says he is proud of his efforts in helping to secure major conservation financing to support the creation of new protected areas across BC.
He and AFA use Watt’s astonishing ‘before and after’ photos as a way to expose the shocking scale of devastation of old-growth logging in BC.
“Old-growth forests are extraordinary—some of the ancient trees are as wide as a living room, as tall as a downtown skyscraper, and have lived to be more than a thousand years old,” Watt explained.
“Yet, in British Columbia, their destruction from industrial logging continues at an alarming rate. Cutting down thousand-year-old trees and turning them into 2x4s and toilet paper is like grinding up castles in Europe into gravel to make highways. It’s unethical and unnecessary.”
Watt says BC must make a swift transition to a sustainable, second-growth forestry industry in BC.
“By investing in technology that makes higher-value wood products from smaller-diameter trees, we can protect old-growth forests and forestry jobs at the same time,” he continued.
“We have a global responsibility to do the right thing. I hope my talk will raise widespread awareness of this issue and inspire people to stand with me and help protect these irreplaceable ecosystems for our generation and those still to come.”
Watt was born and raised in Metchosin and his photography work, as well as his environmental advocacy, have established him as a leading voice in the movement to protect old-growth forests in BC.
Watch his TEDxVictoria Talk below:
