National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy Launch 2026 Freshwater Conservation Program
The National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy, two of the world’s leading environmental organizations, have opened applications for their Freshwater and Community Conservation Externship — an 8-week, fully remote educational opportunity aimed at young conservation leaders aged 18–25 from around the world.
📅 Key Dates & Structure
- Application Deadline: January 25, 2026
- Program Start: February 9, 2026
- Duration: 8 weeks, ~10 hours per week
- Format: Part-time and fully remote — all meetings recorded for flexibility
- Stipend: Participants can earn a $500 educational stipend upon completion to help offset internet and technology costs.
This externship invites participants to explore critical freshwater ecosystem challenges, from water scarcity and pollution to watershed protection and habitat loss. Through research, community engagement, and collaboration with expert mentors, externs will translate global conservation issues into local action plans.
💡 What Participants Will Do
- Conduct investigative research into freshwater systems and threats
- Engage with local leaders, scientists, and residents to understand community needs
- Develop actionable strategies for freshwater stewardship
- Produce a portfolio-ready Esri StoryMap that showcases findings and solutions
- Gain skills in systems thinking, storytelling, and conservation communication — all valuable for future careers in sustainability, science communication, policy, and environmental advocacy.
🌐 Global Access & Inclusivity
The externship is open to applicants worldwide with no prior conservation experience required, making it accessible to young people from diverse backgrounds with an interest in nature, science, and community impact.
This program exemplifies the growing trend in virtual education and global youth engagement in environmental stewardship, aiming to equip the next generation with tools and networks to confront complex ecological challenges at local and global scales.
Link to official website : extern.com
Author
Gagan Tripathi is an agripreneur, plant scientist, and author known for his work in agritech innovation and sustainable horticulture. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Plant Orbit, a horticulture-focused startup dedicated to making healthy, scientifically managed plants accessible to urban and institutional consumers. Born in 2000, Gagan holds a master’s degree in Agriculture Extension and Communication, blending agricultural science with entrepreneurship and community outreach. He is also the author of the bestseller “Roadmap to Your Healthy Succulents”. His work focuses on sustainable plant care, green entrepreneurship, and building impact-driven agri startups in India.
