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Press Release
New Program For Nature Launched to Advance the Recognition of the Rights of Nature
National Geographic Society and Alfred Kobacker and Elizabeth Trimbach Fund announce program that will advance the Rights of Nature, help protect endangered species and preserve habitats
Tiffany Duong
PANAMA (May 19, 2025) — Today, the National Geographic Society, in collaboration with The Alfred Kobacker and Elizabeth Trimbach Fund, are proud to announce For Nature. Announcement of the new program comes in anticipation of the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, (May 22). For Nature will support National Geographic Explorer Callie Veelenturf’s vision to advance the Rights of Nature movement and provide funding for ten Explorer projects to advance this work.
The Rights of Nature movement seeks to bring rights-based legal protection to threatened and endangered species and habitats. Under the newly-launched For Nature program, this movement will be further catalyzed and expanded with the help of the Society’s global community of researchers and conservationists, storytelling and education expertise, technology and communications support and elevation opportunities to drive the impact of this work and grow the movement for species and habitat protections.
“Recognizing the Rights of Nature is vitally important because it directly changes the way in which society considers Nature in decision making. By utilizing science, community empowerment, and inspiring ethical arguments to be a voice for Nature, we can help combat extinction and contribute to high-impact conservation initiatives that protect endangered species, preserve threatened habitats, and advocate for the Rights of Nature around the world. I hope to catalyze Rights of Nature advancements with other passionate individuals who can lead in their own spheres of influence,” said Callie Veelenturf, National Geographic Explorer and Founder of For Nature.
“The Alfred Kobacker and Elizabeth Trimbach Fund’s work embodies the belief that sustainable social change requires both immediate action and long-term strategic investment. Unlike traditional charitable funds that focus on organizations, the Fund invests in exceptional individuals driving meaningful change. Our grants follow visionaries who demonstrate extraordinary potential within their fields, regardless of institutional affiliations. This commitment is exemplified by our support of The For Nature program at National Geographic and the establishment of The Callie Veelenturf For Nature Foundation, created and led by marine biologist Callie Veelenturf — representing the largest commitments in the Fund’s history, ” said Alfred Kobacker.
For Nature’s ten Explorer-led projects will share the collective goals of: mobilizing a global community of researchers and conservationists to gather scientific data to advance the Rights of Nature; educating and inspiring the general public to view the Rights of Nature as a fundamental concept to conservation; equip scientists with tools to advance and support the Rights of Nature movement; and educate policymakers on existing and emerging Rights of Nature measures. In order to help accomplish these goals, the outcomes of these projects will include a toolkit for leveraging the Rights of Nature framework for conservation impact, workshops,technical assistance and resources, storytelling training, impact media products, academic publications, and science, education and research projects to assess threats and gather the data necessary to drive action for Nature.
“We are excited to join in supporting the efforts of National Geographic Explorer Callie Veelenturf’s vision to bring the Rights of Nature to the forefront of global conservation efforts through the establishment of the For Nature program with the Alfred Kobacker and Elizabeth Trimbach Fund,” said Ian Miller the National Geographic Society’s Chief Science and Innovation Officer. “The For Nature program represents the Society’s unique ability to drive solutions for the most critical issues facing our world, like the need to illuminate and protect our planet’s rich biodiversity, by bringing together the best Explorers, scientists, storytellers, and educators from around the globe.”
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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.
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The Alfred Kobacker and Elizabeth Trimbach Fund, established in 2021, is dedicated to advancing equity, human rights, democratic values and environmental conservation through targeted philanthropic initiatives. This small but dynamic charitable organization focuses on supporting underfunded populations’ access to education, while championing justice and the dissemination of truthful political discourse and information, and, most recently, conservation and preservation of life on the planet.
With thirty-three grants awarded to date, the Fund seeks opportunities where its resources can result in meaningful impact in areas often overlooked by larger philanthropic institutions and seeks to invest in remarkable individuals whose talent, vision, and commitment promise
transformative impact. The Fund endeavors to continue the Kobacker family’s long tradition of philanthropy. It stands as one of three charitable funds the family has established at The Columbus Foundation, reflecting their enduring commitment to community support and social progress.
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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.
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