Biodiversity Exploration and Discovery

National Geographic is committed to a better understanding of our planet and an improved ability to conserve our world’s biodiversity. With the goals to 1) find and describe new species, and 2) better understand the patterns of distribution and abundance of poorly known groups of organisms, this RFP will support inventories, surveys, and research expeditions in regions of the world where species discoveries are more likely to occur and where little or no information is available. We encourage proposals for work in any biome. Successful applications must provide: 1) justification as to why the specific area or taxonomic group needs to be explored, 2) clear methodology for how species will be determined and a plan for taxonomic validation, and 3) a plan for depositing specimens and/or materials collected in an appropriate, permanent home. Preference will be given to proposals from applicants residing in the country of fieldwork, and all proposals must include at least one team member from the country where the fieldwork takes place. Projects that include the active involvement of early career conservationists are encouraged.