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.
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SOURCE National Geographic Society
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