Connect with us

Technology

National Geographic Society Funds Inaugural Wetland Conservation Projects Through New Blue Boundaries Program

Published

3 hours ago

on

Grants support on-the-ground science to build a resilient future for the freshwater wetlands of the Lower Mekong Basin, Mississippi River, and Southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Geographic Society today announced the first grants awarded to the first cohort of National Geographic Explorers for Blue Boundaries, a new program in partnership with the Chubb Charitable Foundation that unites conservation science and storytelling to build a resilient future for where land meets water: our wetlands, coastal systems and reefs.

These areas form a natural network that depends on each other to thrive, supporting the planet’s overall health and well-being. The inaugural cohort of Explorers will carry out freshwater wetland projects in the Lower Mekong Basin, the Mississippi River watershed, and the shared wetlands of Southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.

This interdisciplinary group of Explorers deploys on-the-ground science paired with powerful storytelling to drive lasting, measurable resilience for the millions of people and species who depend on these ecosystems for survival and prosperity.

“Blue Boundaries are places where the forces shaping our world converge, demanding new ways of thinking and exploring to solve some of our planet’s most urgent challenges,” said Jill Tiefenthaler, chief executive officer at the Society. “That’s what makes this inaugural Blue Boundaries cohort so compelling. These Explorers are bringing new ideas, perspectives and approaches to understanding and protecting these vital ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.”

“The work undertaken by this inaugural cohort will advance our collective understanding of the ecosystems that underpin the health and economic prosperity of communities around the world,” said Evan Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of Chubb Limited and Chair, Chubb Charitable Foundation. “As these Explorers advance their field research, the insights they generate will be vital for safeguarding wildlife, building ecosystem resilience, and supporting the millions of people who rely on these watersheds.”

The program will roll out in phases over the next six years, starting with the three freshwater focus regions before moving to coastal systems and, ultimately, reefs — mirroring the downstream flow of water and underscoring how deeply interconnected these ecosystems are.

“What makes ‘Blue Boundaries’ so special and unique for our planet is that they’ve been the places that have sustained human settlement for millennia, actively driving human well-being and productivity alongside the rich natural resources that support millions of species,” said Explorer in Residence Justin Brashares, who is helping lead the scientific strategy of Blue Boundaries. “Real impact is achieved when we empower and support locally-based scientists and storytellers, and we’re excited to work with our inaugural Explorer cohort to develop strategies for protecting and ensuring the sustainability of these critical systems.”

This first cohort of research and conservation projects was funded through the Society’s peer-reviewed grants process with a focus on the Blue Boundaries program’s impact goals and core scientific pillars: understanding and supporting a rich variety of wildlife, creating a healthy carbon balance, protecting and strengthening nature’s resilience in the face of disruption, and ensuring people and nature can thrive together.‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌ The first group of Explorers and projects receiving awards are:

Wetlands of the Lower Mekong Basin

Seila Chea, a community engagement conservationist at Wonders of the Mekong, is working to protect giant freshwater stingrays and Mekong freshwater stingrays, which are integral to the region both ecologically and culturally. Through community-led monitoring and public outreach, this initiative will empower local citizens along the Cambodia-Laos border to actively track these freshwater giants, protect their shared aquatic home and empower freshwater stewardship.Zeb Hogan, a freshwater ecologist and conservation biologist at the University of Nevada, Reno, will work to safeguard the Tonle Sap-Mekong River system and the millions of livelihoods depending on its migratory fish by working alongside Cambodian partners to launch the “Mekong in Motion” project. The initiative pairs local fisher expertise with scientific research, using a specialized mobile app to track three iconic “megafish” species as indicators of overall river health.

Wetlands of the Mississippi River

Michael Henson, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Northern Illinois University and an aquatic microbial ecologist, will study whether the billions of tiny microbes that act as an invisible engine keeping the Mississippi River water clean and healthy can recover once pollution recedes, or whether long-term changes permanently alter the river’s health. By sharing their discoveries through multimedia and school programs, he will also teach local communities how these tiny organisms sustain the river so everyone can work together to protect it.Jennifer Koop, an associate professor of biological sciences at Northern Illinois University, will study the deadly link between an invasive snail species in the Mississippi River, the parasites they carry, and the health of migrating ducks who consume those snails. By studying how fertilizer runoff from farms and lawns boosts the growth of algae that allow these deadly snails and their parasites to thrive and fuel this chain reaction, Koop and her research team aim to help wildlife managers pinpoint where to take action and save critical bird species.Michael Philben, an associate professor at Hope College and a biogeochemist, will study ancient cypress swamps in Illinois to determine whether pollution from nearby farm runoff causes these wetlands to release more warming gases than they absorb. Through this work, he aims to guide conservation teams in deciding which wetlands are most effective to protect and restore to keep our planet cool.

Wetlands of Southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala

Nataly Castelblanco, a Colombian conservation biologist and researcher at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur in Mexico, will use satellite tracking and community-based photo-ID to solve the mystery of how manatees travel through hidden, underground waterways between the ocean and inland freshwater sources – some known as cenotes – and why they need them to survive.Efraín Chávez Solís, a cave biologist and scientific diver, will study stygiobiont species – aquatic cave dwellers that spend their lives underground and support local food webs – in a fragile underground aquifer that provides all of the fresh water in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula states. By combining biodiversity surveys, environmental DNA and hydrological data, he aims to use these species as natural indicators to quickly measure and protect underground water quality.Julie Loisel, a field ecologist and paleoclimatologist working in peatland ecosystems across the Panamerican region, will set up outdoor learning labs to study wetlands in Belize and Guatemala alongside archaeological knowledge, such as ancient Maya farming techniques that sustained the region for thousands of years. By combining modern science with Indigenous knowledge, the team will create conservation plans to keep these vital natural spaces thriving.

We will award additional Explorers in this first cohort in the coming weeks. The second round of Blue Boundaries freshwater wetlands grants will be awarded in 2027, with additional Explorers awarded as the program moves through its three systems.

About Chubb

Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb employs approximately 45,000 people worldwide.‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌

Additional information can be found at: ‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌www.chubb.com‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌.‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌

About the National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 16,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. ‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌

To learn more, visit ‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌www.nationalgeographic.org‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌ or follow us on ‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌Instagram‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌, ‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌LinkedIn‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌ and ‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌Facebook‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌.‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-geographic-society-funds-inaugural-wetland-conservation-projects-through-new-blue-boundaries-program-302882258.html

SOURCE National Geographic Society

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

H.I.G. Capital Signs Definitive Agreement to Sell General Datatech

Published

55 minutes ago

on

September 17, 2026

By

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — H.I.G. Capital (“H.I.G.”), a leading global alternative investment firm with $75 billion of capital under management, is pleased to announce that one of its affiliates has signed a definitive agreement to sell its portfolio company, General Datatech (“GDT” or the “Company”), a leading global provider of IT solutions and services, to an affiliate of Softcat plc (LSE: SCT) (“Softcat”) for an enterprise value of $1.05 billion. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, GDT is a leading global IT solutions provider delivering secure, enterprise-grade, AI-ready infrastructure and services to customers across a wide range of end markets. Founded in 1996, the Company takes a services and architecture led approach to delivering comprehensive solutions across its networking, hybrid cloud and data center, cybersecurity, and collaboration practices.

Since H.I.G.’s investment in GDT in 2021, the Company has undergone a significant transformation, strengthening its leadership team, refining its services and solutions capabilities, and establishing a global delivery platform by launching its Bangalore center of excellence. The Company also invested significantly in AI and cybersecurity capabilities, further positioning GDT as a differentiated technology partner to large and complex enterprise customers. During H.I.G.’s ownership, the Company has doubled EBITDA while expanding in high-growth sectors and increasing its mix of recurring gross profit.

Shawn O’Grady, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of GDT, commented, “H.I.G. has been an outstanding partner to GDT and has supported our team as we invested in our people, practices, and client and partner relationships. Together, we have diversified the business, brought tremendous value to our customers, and positioned GDT to capitalize on the significant opportunities created by continued enterprise IT modernization. We are proud of what we have accomplished and excited to begin our next chapter with Softcat.”

Aaron Tolson and Kevin Van Culin, Managing Directors at H.I.G., commented, “Shawn and the GDT management team have done a phenomenal job transforming the Company into a leading IT solutions provider. The strategic investments during our ownership into high-growth areas such as hybrid cloud, AI, and cybersecurity have driven exceptional growth. We look forward to following the team’s continued success.”

Guggenheim Securities, LLC and Moelis & Company LLC served as financial advisors, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to H.I.G. and GDT in connection with the transaction.

About General Datatech

GDT is a global IT solutions provider that delivers secure, enterprise-grade, AI-ready infrastructure and services to customers across a wide range of end markets. With a 30-year heritage and a people-first approach, GDT helps organizations modernize and scale their IT environments to support innovation, resilience, and growth. The Company provides services-led solutions across its networking, hybrid cloud and data center, cybersecurity, and collaboration practices. For more information, visit gdt.com.

About H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. is a leading global alternative investment firm with $75 billion of capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Stamford in the United States, as well as international affiliate offices in Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, and Hong Kong, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to middle market companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach:

H.I.G.’s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses.H.I.G.’s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche, and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets.H.I.G.’s real estate funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices.H.I.G. Infrastructure focuses on making value-add and core plus investments in the infrastructure sector.

Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 400 companies worldwide. The Firm’s current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of $53 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at hig.com.

*Based on total capital raised by H.I.G. Capital and its affiliates.

Contact:
Aaron Tolson
Managing Director
atolson@hig.com

Kevin Van Culin
Managing Director
kvanculin@hig.com

H.I.G. Capital
One Sansome Street
37th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
P: 415.439.5500
hig.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hig-capital-signs-definitive-agreement-to-sell-general-datatech-302882355.html

SOURCE H.I.G. Capital

Continue Reading

Technology

Accely Appoints Murali Kurra as Chief Revenue Officer for the Middle East

Published

55 minutes ago

on

September 17, 2026

By

DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Accely, a global SAP Gold Partner and enterprise transformation company, has appointed Murali Kurra as Chief Revenue Officer for the Middle East. He will lead sales across the region and own Accely’s revenue strategy, covering existing account growth, renewals and new market entry.

Murali has spent more than twenty years in enterprise applications and the SAP ecosystem, in senior sales and leadership roles at IBM, DXC Technology, Fujitsu, Bristlecone, Zensar Technologies and Edraky. He has led large, complex pursuits and built long-running customer relationships in life sciences, manufacturing, retail and distribution, construction and real estate, and public sector.

His appointment comes as organisations across the Gulf modernizing through AI-led digital transformation against fixed timelines set by national transformation agendas and regulatory mandates. Those programmes leave little room for partners who disappear after signature.

“Murali has sat across the table from enterprise buyers for two decades, and he knows what separates the deals that deliver from the ones that stall,” said Nilesh Shah, CEO, Accely Group. “The Middle East is a priority growth region for us and it needs that judgement in the sales leadership seat.”

“Customers in this region are not short of technology options. What they want is a partner who stays through the hard part of a programme, not just the sale,” said Murali Kurra, Chief Revenue Officer, Middle East, Accely. “Accely has the delivery depth to make that a credible promise. That is what I intend to build the regional business on.”

That depth includes Eerly, Accely’s own AI-driven product suite, and its Eerly Studio platform across Consultant, Insights, and Engagement.

Murali will work with Accely’s global leadership and regional delivery teams across SAP S/4HANA, SAP Business Technology Platform, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Customer Experience, analytics, artificial intelligence, automation and SAP application services. The Middle East remains one of Accely’s core markets, served by regional teams with local delivery capability.

About Accely

Accely is a global SAP Gold Partner and CMMI Level 5 firm delivering autonomous enterprise transformation services. With 26+ years of expertise across 20+ offices in 17 countries, Accely delivers tailored SAP solutions spanning ERP, CRM, HXM, Analytics, BTP and AI. Named an ‘SAP Game Changer’, Accely supports sustainable growth through innovation and operational excellence.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/accely-appoints-murali-kurra-as-chief-revenue-officer-for-the-middle-east-302882387.html

Continue Reading

Technology

BAE Systems OneArc integrates commercial embedded training on Army combat vehicles during Force Development Innovation & Assessment (FDIA)

Published

55 minutes ago

on

September 17, 2026

By

Embedded system allows soldiers to train on the same system they operate, at the point of need

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BAE Systems (LON: BA) OneArc (OneArc™) has been awarded an Other Transaction Agreement contract by the U.S. Army to integrate its Embedded Collective Training (ECT) solution on a platoon of combat vehicles at Fort Hood, Texas, as part of the Army’s Force Development Innovation & Assessment (FDIA). The integration marks the first commercially available embedded trainer installed in a U.S. Army combat vehicle.

“Crews need the ability to train wherever the mission requires, without being tied to fixed simulator facilities,” said Sergeant First Class Patrick Muir, 1st Cavalry Division Standardization Master Gunner. “The ECT supports Army FDIA by providing a single, adaptable system that enables precision and collective training across geographically dispersed locations using organic platform controls and procedures. This gives commanders greater flexibility to build and sustain readiness while reducing the costs and infrastructure requirements traditionally associated with dedicated facilities.”

Throughout the FDIA event, U.S. Army crews will train on the full range of precision gunnery progression tasks in support of platform qualification. The initiative covers weapon systems, crew-level qualification and validation of embedded training on a fielded combat platform.

The deployment comes as the Army works to close a persistent gap between the introduction of new capability and combat readiness. Historically, embedded training has arrived years after a platform enters service, if delivered at all, forcing units to rely on live-fire ranges or standalone simulators that are costly, difficult to schedule and disconnected from the vehicle crew stations.

“By integrating a commercial embedded trainer directly on a combat platform already in the fight, the Army gains a repeatable model for pairing new equipment with training capability from day one, rather than treating training as a follow-on program years down the road,” said Rahul Thakkar, President, BAE Systems OneArc. “For a force under pressure to modernize on compressed timelines, the shift, from training as only a pre-deployment activity to training as a built-in capability, is central to what FDIA is designed to prove out.”

The ECT kits are designed to scale beyond individual crew training, supporting platoon-level collective training and distributed tactical maneuver in later phases. The approach also extends to other ground platforms, both crewed and uncrewed, giving the Army a common path to embedded training across the OneArc ecosystem of capabilities and partners.

The solution was designed to support the Army’s commercial-first approach to training capability, reducing the development phase that often slows deployment of new technologies and compressing the timeline from acquisition to training into months, not years.

For more information, please contact:

Amy Nwamkpa, BAE Systems
Mobile: 703-268-9621
amy.nwamkpa@baesystems.us 

www.baesystems.com/US
@BAESystemsInc

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bae-systems-onearc-integrates-commercial-embedded-training-on-army-combat-vehicles-during-force-development-innovation–assessment-fdia-302882403.html

SOURCE BAE Systems, Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending