Month: April 2026

BELLEVILLE, Ill., April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Illinois American Water announced in its Community Impact Report that during 2025, the company provided more than $785 thousand in charitable donations through grants, general charitable contributions and programming support to 195 organizations across Illinois. When combined with the $411 thousand provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, the total amount of support reached $1.2 million.

“At Illinois American Water, our work extends beyond providing safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater services to our customers,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water and American Water Charitable Foundation board member. “Together with the American Water Charitable Foundation, we’re committed to supporting organizations that make our communities a better place to live and operate.”

In 2025, Illinois American Water contributed $113.4 thousand to 113 local fire and rescue organizations; $23.4 thousand to 10 health and wellness organizations; and $80 thousand to 40 organizations working in community sustainability. The company also contributed $138 thousand to help its customers through its H2O Help to Others customer assistance program, a resource that has been available to customers for 30 years.

In addition, Illinois American Water employees engaged in philanthropic endeavors by raising $88 thousand for charitable causes and volunteering 650 hours to nonprofits through the Foundation’s Employee Volunteer and Matching Gift Program.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with eligible nonprofit partners to support impactful initiatives and projects across Illinois,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “Our charitable focus to Keep Communities Flowing empowers our employees to get involved and our communities to learn how every drop counts.”

The American Water Charitable Foundation’s 2025 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water.  

To learn more about Illinois American Water’s community involvement, read the company’s 2025 Community Impact Report.

About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

About the American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

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SOURCE American Water

BELLEVILLE, Ill., April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Illinois American Water announced in its Community Impact Report that during 2025, the company provided more than $785 thousand in charitable donations through grants, general charitable contributions and programming support to 195 organizations across Illinois. When combined with the $411 thousand provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, the total amount of support reached $1.2 million.

“At Illinois American Water, our work extends beyond providing safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater services to our customers,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water and American Water Charitable Foundation board member. “Together with the American Water Charitable Foundation, we’re committed to supporting organizations that make our communities a better place to live and operate.”

In 2025, Illinois American Water contributed $113.4 thousand to 113 local fire and rescue organizations; $23.4 thousand to 10 health and wellness organizations; and $80 thousand to 40 organizations working in community sustainability. The company also contributed $138 thousand to help its customers through its H2O Help to Others customer assistance program, a resource that has been available to customers for 30 years.

In addition, Illinois American Water employees engaged in philanthropic endeavors by raising $88 thousand for charitable causes and volunteering 650 hours to nonprofits through the Foundation’s Employee Volunteer and Matching Gift Program.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with eligible nonprofit partners to support impactful initiatives and projects across Illinois,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “Our charitable focus to Keep Communities Flowing empowers our employees to get involved and our communities to learn how every drop counts.”

The American Water Charitable Foundation’s 2025 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water.  

To learn more about Illinois American Water’s community involvement, read the company’s 2025 Community Impact Report.

About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

About the American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/illinois-american-water-and-american-water-charitable-foundation-provide-over-1-2-million-in-community-support-across-illinois-in-2025–302745030.html

SOURCE American Water

BELLEVILLE, Ill., April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Illinois American Water announced in its Community Impact Report that during 2025, the company provided more than $785 thousand in charitable donations through grants, general charitable contributions and programming support to 195 organizations across Illinois. When combined with the $411 thousand provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, the total amount of support reached $1.2 million.

“At Illinois American Water, our work extends beyond providing safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater services to our customers,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water and American Water Charitable Foundation board member. “Together with the American Water Charitable Foundation, we’re committed to supporting organizations that make our communities a better place to live and operate.”

In 2025, Illinois American Water contributed $113.4 thousand to 113 local fire and rescue organizations; $23.4 thousand to 10 health and wellness organizations; and $80 thousand to 40 organizations working in community sustainability. The company also contributed $138 thousand to help its customers through its H2O Help to Others customer assistance program, a resource that has been available to customers for 30 years.

In addition, Illinois American Water employees engaged in philanthropic endeavors by raising $88 thousand for charitable causes and volunteering 650 hours to nonprofits through the Foundation’s Employee Volunteer and Matching Gift Program.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with eligible nonprofit partners to support impactful initiatives and projects across Illinois,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “Our charitable focus to Keep Communities Flowing empowers our employees to get involved and our communities to learn how every drop counts.”

The American Water Charitable Foundation’s 2025 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water.  

To learn more about Illinois American Water’s community involvement, read the company’s 2025 Community Impact Report.

About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

About the American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/illinois-american-water-and-american-water-charitable-foundation-provide-over-1-2-million-in-community-support-across-illinois-in-2025–302745030.html

SOURCE American Water

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To strengthen communities across Florida as the nation approaches its 250^th anniversary, the Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $22,500 to five nonprofit organizations through its America250 initiative. The grants are part of a first‑round investment totaling more than $250,000 across the company’s six‑state service area.

High-impact investments:

• The Citizens of Gulf County Recovery Team is preserving affordable housing for Gulf County residents. On 10 lots donated by the Gulf County Board of County Commissioners, the organization is building homes that, while valued at $450,000, will be offered to eligible buyers – prioritizing county and city employees, first responders, health care workers and educators – with a mortgage of approximately $250,000 (considering the donated lot and other subsidies). The $5,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation will help offset the cost of purchasing energy efficient appliances for each home.
• With $5,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation, the Foundation for Parks & Recreation Community Support will build an ADA-compliant dune walkover boardwalk at Sunset Park in Mexico Beach. The boardwalk will provide safe, sustainable access over the existing dune system, allowing both local residents and visitors with mobility challenges to reach the shoreline without impacting the dunes’ integrity or role as a natural storm buffer. 
   
• The Jefferson County Historical Association will use $5,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation to transform the City of Monticello into a “living celebration of American independence” leading up to and on the Fourth of July. The observance will include a Tribute to the Troops concert, a fireworks display and other immersive, multi-generational activities.
• A $2,500 award from the Duke Energy Foundation will allow Keep Alachua County Beautiful to participate in the nation’s largest community improvement program, the Great American Cleanup. Conducted over a two-month period from April through May, the program will mobilize volunteers to clean public spaces, address illegal dumping and promote greater awareness around waste reduction and responsible disposal.
• The All Veterans Center in Polk County will provide nearly 1,000 hot meals for veterans and their families at two separate events, one in the spring and another at the end of the year, using $5,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation to purchase food.

Positive response:

• Kathy Gilbert, Citizens of Gulf County Recovery Team executive director: “We are grateful for Duke Energy’s support. Safe and affordable housing for our citizens takes commitment from the public, corporate and government sectors. It lies at the core of a healthy, sustainable community. Duke Energy knows that and their generosity means a great deal to a great many.”
• Kimberly Shoaf, Foundation for Parks & Recreation Community Support vice president: “The partnership between Duke Energy and PARCs to assist in providing an ADA-compliant walkover in Mexico Beach is a testament to strong community support. We appreciate Duke Energy’s continued investment in the communities they serve and their role in helping create accessibility for all.”
• Claudette McRae, Jefferson County Historical Association treasurer: “Jefferson County enthusiastically anticipates partnering with Duke Energy to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. Duke Energy has always been a leader in our county and played an active role in its future growth.”
• Carlos Gonzalez, Keep Alachua County Beautiful executive director: “This investment directly strengthens our effort to build neighborhood pride, reduce blight and encourage long-term stewardship throughout Alachua County. We are truly grateful for Duke Energy’s partnership and thank them for believing in our mission to create cleaner, greener and more vibrant communities.”
• Harvey R. Engle, All Veterans Center chief operating officer: “We are afforded opportunities to provide special activities for our veterans through the kindness and generosity of community minded businesses such as Duke Energy. Thank you, Duke Energy, for your support and desire to be a part of our veteran care process.”

More to come:

These grants represent the first announced awards under the Duke Energy Foundation’s America250 initiative, a more than $1 million investment in community‑driven projects throughout the company’s service territories to recognize America’s 250th anniversary. Additional grant recipients will be announced later this spring, including support for veterans’ workforce pathways and initiatives that expand access to history and civics education.

Duke Energy Foundation 
The Duke Energy Foundation provides nearly $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. 

Duke Energy 
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.

More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.

Contact: Aly Raschid
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_AlyRaschid

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SOURCE Duke Energy

The partnership aims to build resilience where land meets water across North America and Asia

Press Kit

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Boundaries, a partnership between the National Geographic Society and the Chubb Charitable Foundation, has selected its first focus locations across North America and Asia. Launched in 2025, the multiyear global initiative focuses on transformational change at the intersection of land and water.

The first phase of the Blue Boundaries program focuses on freshwater wetlands and will champion scientific research and spark scalable conservation efforts across three regions worldwide. Those locations include:

• Wetlands of Southern Mexico, Belize & Guatemala: As the gateway to the tropics for the Americas, this region’s biodiverse wetlands serve as a critical stronghold for iconic wildlife — including jaguars, howling monkeys and greater flamingos — while simultaneously supporting a robust tourism-based economy and storing vast amounts of irrecoverable carbon that is essential to achieving global climate stability.
• Wetlands of the Lower Mekong Basin: Spanning four nations, including Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the Lower Mekong Basin is a critical transnational lifeline that sustains tens of millions of livelihoods and hosts one of the world’s largest and most productive inland fisheries, producing 2.3 million tons of fish harvested every year. This region remains a global biodiversity hotspot, providing shelter for rare mammals, birds and aquatic life such as Asian elephants, Irrawaddy dolphins and Malayan tigers.
• Wetlands of the Mississippi River: A cornerstone of North American ecological resilience, this region provides essential drinking water, economic stability through agriculture, trade and hydropower, and carbon storage. This watershed acts as an unparalleled biodiversity artery, hosting 60% of North American migratory birds and providing critical habitat for species such as beavers, river otters and American alligators.

“Wetlands are one of the most critical ecosystems globally, yet they’re disappearing three times faster than forests. Protection and resilience for the people and nature that rely on these life-sustaining ecosystems is more important than ever before,” said Ian Miller, chief science and innovation officer at the Society. “These three selections reflect our program’s commitment to illuminate and protect some of the most critical and at-risk ecosystems on our planet.”

Blue Boundaries is driven by a deep curiosity about the interconnected networks of life where land meets water. The program focuses on safeguarding three of Earth’s most vital ecosystems — freshwater wetlands, coastal systems and reefs — through high-impact, science-driven efforts to conserve, protect and restore these critical environments. It will also deploy powerful storytelling to mobilize global awareness and action in support of these ecosystems.

The progression of the program’s three phases mirrors the natural downstream flow of water, beginning with freshwater wetlands. Freshwater ecosystems, including wetlands, support the livelihoods and clean drinking water for billions of people. Both freshwater and coastal wetlands provide habitat for more than 40% of species globally.

In collaboration with leading experts and the program’s newly established science committee, the Blue Boundaries team conducted a thorough analysis to identify potential locations for the program’s first phase. From a list of 37 high-potential locations, the team selected three based on the program’s impact goals and its core scientific pillars, which focus on understanding and supporting a rich variety of life, creating a healthy carbon balance, strengthening nature’s ability to bounce back from disruption, and ensuring people and nature can thrive together.

The Blue Boundaries Science Committee consists of members from academic, conservation and partner institutions, including chair Justin Brashares, UC Berkeley professor and a member of the Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration; Katie Fiorella, Cornell University associate professor; Jason Gulley, University of South Florida professor; Ian Harrison, co-chair of the Freshwater Conservation Committee at the IUCN Species Survival Commission; Clint Willson, dean of the Louisiana State University College of the Coast & Environment; and Margaret Peloso, senior vice president, Chubb Group. This advisory group will provide specialized knowledge and mentor the cohorts of National Geographic Explorers for Blue Boundaries.

The first Blue Boundaries Explorer cohort will be selected this year through an invite-only peer-review process. Research and conservation projects funded in these three regions will focus on the program’s core scientific pillars, illuminate and elevate the instrumental role these ecosystems play for people and the environment, and advance strategies essential for habitat restoration and global resilience.

About Blue Boundaries
The National Geographic Society and the Chubb Charitable Foundation are partnering together to drive transformational change for vital ecosystems at the intersection of land and water. Led by a cohort of National Geographic Explorers, the Blue Boundaries program focuses on safeguarding three of Earth’s most vital ecosystems — freshwater wetlands, coastal systems and reefs — through on-location research and conservation projects, paired with compelling storytelling and innovative education.

To learn more about this program, visit www.NatGeo.org/BlueBoundaries

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 15,000 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-chubb-charitable-foundation-select-first-three-freshwater-wetland-sites-for-new-blue-boundaries-program-302743824.html

SOURCE National Geographic Society

The partnership aims to build resilience where land meets water across North America and Asia

Press Kit

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Boundaries, a partnership between the National Geographic Society and the Chubb Charitable Foundation, has selected its first focus locations across North America and Asia. Launched in 2025, the multiyear global initiative focuses on transformational change at the intersection of land and water.

The first phase of the Blue Boundaries program focuses on freshwater wetlands and will champion scientific research and spark scalable conservation efforts across three regions worldwide. Those locations include:

• Wetlands of Southern Mexico, Belize & Guatemala: As the gateway to the tropics for the Americas, this region’s biodiverse wetlands serve as a critical stronghold for iconic wildlife — including jaguars, howling monkeys and greater flamingos — while simultaneously supporting a robust tourism-based economy and storing vast amounts of irrecoverable carbon that is essential to achieving global climate stability.
• Wetlands of the Lower Mekong Basin: Spanning four nations, including Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the Lower Mekong Basin is a critical transnational lifeline that sustains tens of millions of livelihoods and hosts one of the world’s largest and most productive inland fisheries, producing 2.3 million tons of fish harvested every year. This region remains a global biodiversity hotspot, providing shelter for rare mammals, birds and aquatic life such as Asian elephants, Irrawaddy dolphins and Malayan tigers.
• Wetlands of the Mississippi River: A cornerstone of North American ecological resilience, this region provides essential drinking water, economic stability through agriculture, trade and hydropower, and carbon storage. This watershed acts as an unparalleled biodiversity artery, hosting 60% of North American migratory birds and providing critical habitat for species such as beavers, river otters and American alligators.

“Wetlands are one of the most critical ecosystems globally, yet they’re disappearing three times faster than forests. Protection and resilience for the people and nature that rely on these life-sustaining ecosystems is more important than ever before,” said Ian Miller, chief science and innovation officer at the Society. “These three selections reflect our program’s commitment to illuminate and protect some of the most critical and at-risk ecosystems on our planet.”

Blue Boundaries is driven by a deep curiosity about the interconnected networks of life where land meets water. The program focuses on safeguarding three of Earth’s most vital ecosystems — freshwater wetlands, coastal systems and reefs — through high-impact, science-driven efforts to conserve, protect and restore these critical environments. It will also deploy powerful storytelling to mobilize global awareness and action in support of these ecosystems.

The progression of the program’s three phases mirrors the natural downstream flow of water, beginning with freshwater wetlands. Freshwater ecosystems, including wetlands, support the livelihoods and clean drinking water for billions of people. Both freshwater and coastal wetlands provide habitat for more than 40% of species globally.

In collaboration with leading experts and the program’s newly established science committee, the Blue Boundaries team conducted a thorough analysis to identify potential locations for the program’s first phase. From a list of 37 high-potential locations, the team selected three based on the program’s impact goals and its core scientific pillars, which focus on understanding and supporting a rich variety of life, creating a healthy carbon balance, strengthening nature’s ability to bounce back from disruption, and ensuring people and nature can thrive together.

The Blue Boundaries Science Committee consists of members from academic, conservation and partner institutions, including chair Justin Brashares, UC Berkeley professor and a member of the Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration; Katie Fiorella, Cornell University associate professor; Jason Gulley, University of South Florida professor; Ian Harrison, co-chair of the Freshwater Conservation Committee at the IUCN Species Survival Commission; Clint Willson, dean of the Louisiana State University College of the Coast & Environment; and Margaret Peloso, senior vice president, Chubb Group. This advisory group will provide specialized knowledge and mentor the cohorts of National Geographic Explorers for Blue Boundaries.

The first Blue Boundaries Explorer cohort will be selected this year through an invite-only peer-review process. Research and conservation projects funded in these three regions will focus on the program’s core scientific pillars, illuminate and elevate the instrumental role these ecosystems play for people and the environment, and advance strategies essential for habitat restoration and global resilience.

About Blue Boundaries
The National Geographic Society and the Chubb Charitable Foundation are partnering together to drive transformational change for vital ecosystems at the intersection of land and water. Led by a cohort of National Geographic Explorers, the Blue Boundaries program focuses on safeguarding three of Earth’s most vital ecosystems — freshwater wetlands, coastal systems and reefs — through on-location research and conservation projects, paired with compelling storytelling and innovative education.

To learn more about this program, visit www.NatGeo.org/BlueBoundaries

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 15,000 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-chubb-charitable-foundation-select-first-three-freshwater-wetland-sites-for-new-blue-boundaries-program-302743824.html

SOURCE National Geographic Society

The partnership aims to build resilience where land meets water across North America and Asia

Press Kit

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Boundaries, a partnership between the National Geographic Society and the Chubb Charitable Foundation, has selected its first focus locations across North America and Asia. Launched in 2025, the multiyear global initiative focuses on transformational change at the intersection of land and water.

The first phase of the Blue Boundaries program focuses on freshwater wetlands and will champion scientific research and spark scalable conservation efforts across three regions worldwide. Those locations include:

• Wetlands of Southern Mexico, Belize & Guatemala: As the gateway to the tropics for the Americas, this region’s biodiverse wetlands serve as a critical stronghold for iconic wildlife — including jaguars, howling monkeys and greater flamingos — while simultaneously supporting a robust tourism-based economy and storing vast amounts of irrecoverable carbon that is essential to achieving global climate stability.
• Wetlands of the Lower Mekong Basin: Spanning four nations, including Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the Lower Mekong Basin is a critical transnational lifeline that sustains tens of millions of livelihoods and hosts one of the world’s largest and most productive inland fisheries, producing 2.3 million tons of fish harvested every year. This region remains a global biodiversity hotspot, providing shelter for rare mammals, birds and aquatic life such as Asian elephants, Irrawaddy dolphins and Malayan tigers.
• Wetlands of the Mississippi River: A cornerstone of North American ecological resilience, this region provides essential drinking water, economic stability through agriculture, trade and hydropower, and carbon storage. This watershed acts as an unparalleled biodiversity artery, hosting 60% of North American migratory birds and providing critical habitat for species such as beavers, river otters and American alligators.

“Wetlands are one of the most critical ecosystems globally, yet they’re disappearing three times faster than forests. Protection and resilience for the people and nature that rely on these life-sustaining ecosystems is more important than ever before,” said Ian Miller, chief science and innovation officer at the Society. “These three selections reflect our program’s commitment to illuminate and protect some of the most critical and at-risk ecosystems on our planet.”

Blue Boundaries is driven by a deep curiosity about the interconnected networks of life where land meets water. The program focuses on safeguarding three of Earth’s most vital ecosystems — freshwater wetlands, coastal systems and reefs — through high-impact, science-driven efforts to conserve, protect and restore these critical environments. It will also deploy powerful storytelling to mobilize global awareness and action in support of these ecosystems.

The progression of the program’s three phases mirrors the natural downstream flow of water, beginning with freshwater wetlands. Freshwater ecosystems, including wetlands, support the livelihoods and clean drinking water for billions of people. Both freshwater and coastal wetlands provide habitat for more than 40% of species globally.

In collaboration with leading experts and the program’s newly established science committee, the Blue Boundaries team conducted a thorough analysis to identify potential locations for the program’s first phase. From a list of 37 high-potential locations, the team selected three based on the program’s impact goals and its core scientific pillars, which focus on understanding and supporting a rich variety of life, creating a healthy carbon balance, strengthening nature’s ability to bounce back from disruption, and ensuring people and nature can thrive together.

The Blue Boundaries Science Committee consists of members from academic, conservation and partner institutions, including chair Justin Brashares, UC Berkeley professor and a member of the Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration; Katie Fiorella, Cornell University associate professor; Jason Gulley, University of South Florida professor; Ian Harrison, co-chair of the Freshwater Conservation Committee at the IUCN Species Survival Commission; Clint Willson, dean of the Louisiana State University College of the Coast & Environment; and Margaret Peloso, senior vice president, Chubb Group. This advisory group will provide specialized knowledge and mentor the cohorts of National Geographic Explorers for Blue Boundaries.

The first Blue Boundaries Explorer cohort will be selected this year through an invite-only peer-review process. Research and conservation projects funded in these three regions will focus on the program’s core scientific pillars, illuminate and elevate the instrumental role these ecosystems play for people and the environment, and advance strategies essential for habitat restoration and global resilience.

About Blue Boundaries
The National Geographic Society and the Chubb Charitable Foundation are partnering together to drive transformational change for vital ecosystems at the intersection of land and water. Led by a cohort of National Geographic Explorers, the Blue Boundaries program focuses on safeguarding three of Earth’s most vital ecosystems — freshwater wetlands, coastal systems and reefs — through on-location research and conservation projects, paired with compelling storytelling and innovative education.

To learn more about this program, visit www.NatGeo.org/BlueBoundaries

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 15,000 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-chubb-charitable-foundation-select-first-three-freshwater-wetland-sites-for-new-blue-boundaries-program-302743824.html

SOURCE National Geographic Society