Location: BOLIVIA
Beneficiaries: Amazonian communities in Bolivia
The Project
In 2023, The Pollination Project awarded a seedgrant to Natalie Conneely for her groundbreaking project “Tigre Gente” in La Paz and Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
At the heart of “Tigre Gente” lies a crucial mission: to protect the jaguar from illegal poaching and trafficking. Bolivia has emerged as a significant hotspot for jaguar trafficking in Latin America, driven by a surge in demand for jaguar fangs in the Chinese black market.
The project, an integral part of a broader documentary impact campaign for the National Geographic film “Tigre Gente,” aims to ignite a jaguar conservation movement in Bolivia. Over the past year, Conneely’s team has led screenings and conservation workshops in twelve Amazonian communities facing high levels of human-jaguar conflict. They surveyed over 400 audience members across these communities and video-recorded audience reactions for inclusion in a groundbreaking analysis with Oxford University.
The team conducted educational modules featuring the “Tigre Gente” film and distributed jaguar conservation-themed materials to engage and reward participants. For many attendees, this was their first experience of watching a film on a big screen. The enthusiasm and engagement witnessed were truly inspiring, with all communities expressing a desire for the team’s return.
The Impact of the Seed Grant
The Pollination Project’s seedgrant, awarded in 2023, has enabled the “Tigre Gente” team successfully tour the film across twelve Amazonian communities and led youth workshops for students aged 6-21. By partnering with local municipalities, they hosted screenings in community squares, engaging multiple generations from children to grandparents.
The team’s approach of breaking the film into digestible parts and following up with Q&A sessions proved highly effective. They conducted interactive discussions after each section of the film, distributing prizes for correct answers about jaguar conservation. This method has left behind a legacy of inspiration, admiration, and love for the jaguar that is expected to foster its protection for years to come.
The TPP grant was such an important part of us being able to get this project off the ground and into the communities. We leveraged the funds to work alongside a grassroots field producer who supported us in moving forward with our workshops.
The Future
As they actively seek additional grants to support the continuation of this vital community movement, the “Tigre Gente” project exemplifies the power of grassroots initiatives in wildlife conservation. By combining compelling storytelling with community engagement, they’re not just raising awareness – they’re cultivating a new generation of jaguar protectors in the heart of the Amazon.
The Pollination Project is proud to have played a role in nurturing this impactful project. As “Tigre Gente” continues to grow and evolve, the organization remains committed to supporting innovative approaches to environmental conservation and community empowerment.
“Tigre Gente” on Social Networks
Natalie Conneely
Natalie Conneely is a filmmaker and social impact advocate with deep roots in Bolivia and a global perspective. Born in the lowland jungles of eastern Bolivia, Natalie grew up in La Paz, where her parents worked with USAID and the Peace Corps. This upbringing, surrounded by social impact stories and volunteer opportunities, laid the foundation for her future career.
Natalie’s multicultural background—with a Bolivian mother from Cochabamba and an American father with Irish roots—has profoundly shaped her worldview. Her education took her around the globe, including studying in Cochin, Kerala, India, an experience that led her to work for the Dalai Lama and pursue a career in social impact.
After university, Natalie’s professional journey began with CNN International, where she helped launch a Middle East production hub in Abu Dhabi. This experience, coupled with her time living in London and the UAE, informed her approach to storytelling for impact. She later founded Pachamama Sabia, where she serves as the executive director, channeling her passion for storytelling into creating meaningful change.
Natalie’s passion for social change is evident in her diverse experiences, from teaching grant writing workshops in Kordiabe, Ghana, to her current focus on wildlife conservation through projects like “Tigre Gente” in Bolivia.
