National Geographic commits $10 million to support Sky Ocean Ventures activity
Earlier this week, Sky and National Geographic announced that they are joining forces to fight against the damaging impact of plastic litter in the world’s oceans. As part of the announcement, National Geographic committed $10 million to support Sky Ocean Ventures, which seeks to solve the ocean plastic crisis.
This collaboration builds on the grassroots grants program Sky and the National Geographic Society launched in the fall of 2017 to select 10 young academics to run marine-based research projects funded by National Geographic. Three of the grantees have also been awarded the Sky Ocean Rescue Scholarship, giving them funding and mentoring from Sky.
“Sky Ocean Ventures is a bold new project that will support breakthrough thinking and invest in new ideas aimed at the impact plastic is having on our oceans and marine life,” said Gary Knell, CEO of National Geographic Partners. “National Geographic will use our global media portfolio to encourage conservation of our oceans and exploration of new ways to be better stewards of the world in which we live.”
“National Geographic is a world leader in science and exploration with expertise, knowledge and credibility that only comes from spending over a century protecting our planet,” said Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s Group Chief Executive. “I’m excited that we share the same vision and understand the pressing need to take action and find meaningful solutions to the plastics problem. Together, we will create real impact, and I look forward to bringing other financial and non-financial partners on board.”
Gary Knell, CEO of National Geographic Partners; Sky Ocean Rescue scholars Martina Capriotti, Annette Fayet, Imogean Napper; Nat Geo Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle attend the National Geographic Science Festival at Auditorium Parco Della Musica on April 16, 2018, in Rome, Italy.
National Geographic Partners will also draw people’s focus to the issue of plastic litter in the ocean with its groundbreaking storytelling and journalism, and its award-winning photography.
The National Geographic Society, a nonprofit organization, will join the effort by bringing its global network of scientists and academics to support Sky Ocean Ventures, in addition to making a financial commitment focused on activities such as grants, innovation challenges and events.