About the Program
Illuminating Mekong River Basin -The National Geographic Society invites proposals for Illuminating the Mekong River Basin. This initiative supports storytellers across all mediums to elevate Ancestral Knowledge and cutting-edge science into collective awareness.
Illuminating Mekong River Basin -The Lower Mekong is a transborder bioregion defined by the “flood pulse”—a unique hydrological heartbeat that sustains floodplains, wildlife, and human culture. This RFP seeks narratives that capture the extraordinary within the ordinary, showing how ecological rhythms and cultural practices are deeply intertwined.
Apply via National Geographic Society (nationalgeographic.org) nationalgeographic.org
Focus Areas
We are particularly interested in stories that address:
- Co-existence & The Common Thread – Humans and indicator species (Irrawaddy dolphin, Giant Freshwater Stingray) as shared stakeholders.
- The Biodiversity Archive – Documenting hidden biodiversity, from microscopic silt life to migratory river giants.
- Nature & Culture Nexus – How local knowledge systems and spiritual practices guide conservation.
- Resilience – Environmental pressures and defense of ancestral traditions.
- Water Stewardship & Legacy – Deep history of water management shaping identity and future.
- Urban Pulse & River’s Edge – Symbiosis between expanding cities and riverbanks.
- Diaspora Communities – Rituals, foodways, and oral histories maintaining ecological connectivity.
Eligibility
- Storytellers with lived experience in Mekong communities or strong collaborations with local organizations.
- Applicants must show a record of successful media projects and submit a portfolio
- Open to both new applicants and existing Explorers.
Funding Details
- Applicants may request up to USD 20,000.
- Funds may be used over one year.
- Budgets must include reasonable, well-justified costs directly required to complete the project.
Additional Benefits
- First-time recipients join the Explorer Community, gaining access to training, software tools, and future funding opportunities.
- Applications must be submitted in English via the online portal.
- Only one proposal per applicant as project lead.
Information Sessions
- April 23, 2026 at 9PM HK / 9AM ET – Register online
- May 5, 2026 at 10AM HK / May 4 at 10PM ET – Register online
Deadline
All applications must be submitted by May 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT. Funding notifications will be shared in December 2026.