Dr Gary Hayes

StoryArcs Director, Professor Bambo Soyinka, was commissioned by Professor Richard Field (Programme Coordinator, Economics of Biodiversity), to develop a narrative concept for a short film capturing his programme’s research and impact. The Economics of Biodiversity programme ‘aims to inform decision-making by addressing critical gaps in our current understanding of the economic values, benefits and costs that society associates with, and derives from, biodiversity’. It brings together scientists and economists to explore how economies are embedded in nature, and how plural values of biodiversity - including those beyond monetary valuation - can be better integrated into models and decision-making. 

Developed by Professor Soyinka with Professor Field and produced by the StoryArcs team, with Story Fellow, Dr Gary Hayes, as guest Film Director, the film tells the Story of each of the programme’s seven projects - building a clear, engaging narrative to raise awareness of the economics of biodiversity. The film was presented to over 200 delegates at the Royal Geographical Society’s International Conference. It is also a core part of StoryArcs’ research into Story as a living skillset, demonstrating how narrative can make complex scientific and economic concepts and data accessible without losing nuance. 

Credits: Film concept & Story development: Professor Bambo Soyinka (StoryArcs) and Professor Richard Field (Economics of Biodiversity) • Film direction & script: Dr Gary Hayes (StoryArcs) • Production coordination & locations: Molly White (StoryArcs) and Matthew Smith (StoryArcs) Post-production: Joseph Harrington (JH Film Production) 

An Impact Story in Motion - commissioned impact storytelling by StoryArcs.