A new short documentary is shining a light on Canada's endangered grasslands and its unsung heroes.

In Calgary on Thursday, October 3, over 100 people gathered for the film premiere event of "Guardians of the Grasslands" put together by skilled videographers, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the Canadian Cattlemen's Association's Public and Stakeholder Engagement team.

Public and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist, Amie Peck, says cattle play a important role in preserving plants and animals in the prairies, including over 60 species at risk, all which is highlighted in the film shot at the Waldron Grazing Co-op in Southwestern Alberta.

"We see a lot of stories about the negative perceptions of the cattle industry, and to actually tell a story where cattle are the hero, are maintaining and preserving theses landscapes. They're the reason that they are even maintained and preserved at all."

On the film website, they say the habitat is one of the world’s most stable carbon sinks, with 74 per cent of our Canadian grasslands already gone.

She says guests at the premiere event were very excited to get their hands on the film to share the story positive of Canada's beef industry.

"Quite a few people in the room as well, it was the first time that they had heard the Canadian prairies are not only endangered ecosystem in this country, but one of the most endangered in the entire world."

This won't be the last film put out by Public and Stakeholder Engagement team, as Peck says they've got more ideas in the works to showcase other areas of the beef industry.

Producers, conservation groups, and schools are encourage to host a viewing of the documentary.

You can find more details and hosting information at guardiansofthegrasslands.com

 

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