The National Geographic Society announced on May 1 that Justin Brashares, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at UC Berkeley, has been appointed as a National Geographic Explorer in Residence.
Brashares will lead scientific research and conservation strategy for Blue Boundaries, an initiative focused on strengthening resilience for people and nature in key ecosystems where land meets water. The program aims to protect freshwater wetlands, coastal systems, and reefs through research projects paired with storytelling and education efforts.
“Blue Boundary environments are vital to the planet, providing essential services that support both people and nature,” Brashares said. “Through this program, we aim to understand the delicate balance of these ecosystems and identify scalable solutions to protect and restore them.”
As chair of the program’s science committee, Brashares will mentor National Geographic Explorers involved with Blue Boundaries. He also serves as an advisor to the Stone Center for Environmental Stewardship. The first phase of Blue Boundaries will focus on freshwater wetlands in southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala; the Lower Mekong Basin across Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam; and along the Mississippi River.
Ian Miller said: “Justin’s work is driven by a simple but urgent reality that our planet’s rich biodiversity, the vital force sustaining its stability and resilience, is rapidly declining, and we are only just beginning to understand how that impacts our future. By developing evidence-based conservation solutions rooted in science, Justin’s work demonstrates how on-the-ground research involving local communities can lead to meaningful protection.”
Brashares combines ecology with interdisciplinary approaches for biodiversity conservation. His current research addresses bushmeat hunting in Africa as well as conservation issues affecting small populations in North America. At UC Berkeley he co-leads projects such as the California Wolf Project and advises initiatives like the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center for Data Science & Environment (DSE), which collaborates with policymakers and local communities on environmental software tools.
Brashares said: “I’m deeply honored to join the community of National Geographic Explorers who are harnessing the power of science, innovation, and technology to inspire and create change.” He joins other UC Berkeley-affiliated Explorers from Rausser College including professors Damian Elias, Alejandra Echeverri, Christopher Schell,and Arthur Middleton.
The Rausser College of Natural Resources receives support from donor contributions that enhance undergraduate opportunities as well as graduate fellowships according to its official website. The college advances societal well-being through research focused on environmental sustainability alongside human health improvements according to its official website. Its Oxford Facility features greenhousesand growth chambers used for plant science education according to its official website. Recognized nationallyand globally,the college is considered a leaderin naturaland social sciences accordingtoits officialwebsite. It functionsasakey partofUC Berkeley withinthestate-wideUniversityofCalifornia systemaccordingtoitsofficialwebsiteand focuseson addressingenvironmental challengesthroughinterdisciplinary approachesinvolvingbiological,economic,social,and ecological sciencesaccordingtoitsofficialwebsite.
