National Geographic Society Funds Inaugural Wetland Conservation Projects Through New Blue Boundaries Program
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
Wetlands of the Mississippi River
Wetlands of Southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala
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.
SOURCE National Geographic Society