National Geographic Launches Blue Boundaries to Protect Global Wetlands

This initiative unites scientific field research with multimedia storytelling to drive long-term resilience in areas where land and water converge. The program is structured in phases, beginning with freshwater systems before expanding into coastal zones and reefs. According to Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the Society, the project aims to address urgent environmental challenges by integrating fresh perspectives on ecosystem management.

Evan Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of Chubb Limited, noted that the research will provide vital insights for safeguarding biodiversity and supporting the millions of people who depend on these watersheds for economic and physical stability. The first group of funded projects addresses specific, high-stakes environmental issues:

• Lower Mekong Basin: Researchers are tracking "megafish" species and protecting giant freshwater stingrays to monitor river health.
• Mississippi River: Scientists are investigating how microbial life and invasive snail-parasite cycles, exacerbated by farm runoff, impact both water purity and migratory bird populations.
• Southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala: Teams are utilizing satellite tracking for manatee conservation and analyzing ancient Maya farming techniques to inform modern sustainable land use in peatlands.

Justin Brashares, Explorer in Residence, emphasized that the program prioritizes locally-based experts to ensure conservation strategies are both effective and culturally resonant. The Society plans to announce additional funding rounds in 2027, continuing a long-term strategy to preserve these interconnected aquatic networks.