Gabriella Goss, a film student at the University of Santa Cruz, has been awarded a $500 Alumni Leadership Award by Ecology Project International. The award recognizes her outstanding project proposal titled “Building Bridges Between Ecosystems: An Exploration and Awareness Campaign for Wildlife Crossings.”
Gabriella, a passionate filmmaker, grew up in a suburban area of California and witnessed the tragic consequences of wildlife-vehicle collisions during her travels through natural landscapes. Motivated by her love for the environment and storytelling, she aims to address the issue of habitat fragmentation caused by society’s over-reliance on automobiles.
Her project is inspired by her experience with Ecology Project International (EPI) in the Galapagos Islands, where she observed thriving wildlife in an ecosystem largely untouched by human interference. This led her to explore the negative impact of human activities on animal habitats, particularly the millions of animals killed annually by vehicles.
Gabriella plans to create a documentary film that highlights the need for wildlife crossings, showcasing existing and under-construction crossings in California. By raising awareness about the dire consequences of road-related wildlife fatalities, she hopes to inspire action and contribute to the conservation of animal populations.
“I want this film to be a call to action,” says Gabriella. “While we may not eliminate animal fatalities entirely, we can work towards significantly reducing the numbers by advocating for and building more wildlife crossings.”
The documentary will be widely disseminated through social media platforms, film festivals, and websites, reaching a broad audience and fostering a deeper understanding of the urgency to address the human impact on animal habitats.
“The film medium allows for extensive outreach and engagement,” Gabriella explains. “By sharing this documentary through various channels, I hope to inspire individuals to take an active role in advocating for more wildlife crossings both in the United States and beyond.”
The Alumni Leadership Award funds will contribute to the production of the documentary, covering research, filming, and editing costs. In the event of partial funding, Gabriella is prepared to explore alternative sources such as grants or crowdfunding to ensure the successful completion of her impactful project.
