Illuminating the Mekong River Basin
Supports creative storytelling projects that bridge ancestral knowledge and modern science to illuminate the ecological and cultural complexities of the Mekong River Basin.
Funder: National Geographic Society
Due Dates: May 31, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 per project; funds may be used over one year.
Summary: Supports creative storytelling projects that illuminate the ecological and cultural complexities of the Mekong River Basin through narratives bridging ancestral knowledge and modern science.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted online in English; portfolio required.
Description
This grant supports storytellers and media creators in developing projects that explore the interconnected ecological and cultural issues of the Mekong River Basin. Funded projects should elevate both ancestral knowledge and contemporary scientific perspectives, revealing the intricate relationships between people, wildlife, and landscapes. Areas of interest include co-existence with indicator species, documentation of hidden biodiversity, the nexus of nature and culture, resilience and defense of traditions, water stewardship, urban-river dynamics, and the experiences of diaspora communities. The goal is to surface deeply place-based stories that resonate universally and highlight the Mekong’s unique environmental and cultural heritage.
