A MAP

AwareNearth is launching Bridging Biomes, a global odyssey to redefine how the youngest see our planet. We are partnering with 15 primary schools across six continents, uniting over 200 children to map the vital connection between natural biomes and human activity.

EARLY AWARENESS

Children aged 5–8 are becoming the cartographers of a new era. Using a custom Equal Earth projection map, students choose plant and animal "heroes" to represent the delicate balance between civilization and the wild.

‍ Art & Exploration

These heroes are brought to life by the artist-illustrator Jessica Joachim, bridging nature and humanity through a child's eyes.

Developed with the expertise of National Geographic Explorers Brian Buma and Andrew Jacobson, IUCN expert Phurba Lhendup, and marine/land specialists Yiwen Zeng and Samuel Jaccard.

Our "Explorer Fun Fact Sheets" are co-created with 15 local organizations and environmental advocates dedicated to nature preservation.

‍ Scientific Impact

This global storytelling experience—stretching from the Himalayas to the Pacific—is backed by rigorous science. CNRS researcher Gladys Barragan-Jason is leading a survey to measure the project’s impact on early environmental awareness. Our goal is to scale Bridging Biomes, inviting all children to share their local heroes and restore our vital relationship with our greatest ally: the natural world.

OUR ARTIST

Jessica Joachim

expert TEAM

Gladys, a National Centre for Scientific Research CNRS researcher at SETE, studies human-nature connections. Her work, with over 3,800 citations, explores how these connections enhance well-being and conservation. Her notable review highlights psychological and physical impacts. Gladys now focuses on developing and validating practices to strengthen global human-nature bonds.

Brian is a Senior Climate Scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and an Associate Research Professor at the University of Colorado Denver. A prominent ecologist and National Geographic Explorer, he specializes in forest disturbances, carbon sequestration, and the impacts of climate change on high-latitude and remote ecosystems.

Samuel is an Associate Professor at the University of Lausanne and a specialist in Earth sciences and paleoceanography. His research focuses on the global carbon cycle, nutrient cycling, and ocean deoxygenation. He was a contributing author to the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), specifically focusing on biogeochemical cycles.

Phurba is a Senior Conservation Specialist with 27 years of experience leading complex conservation initiatives across Asia. He currently coordinates the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme at the IUCN HQ in Switzerland. Throughout his career, he has managed significant multi country portfolios focused on biodiversity protection and climate adaptation.

Andrew, a conservation biologist, employs GIS and remote sensing to map species and habitats. Catawba College's Associate Professor of GIS and Conservation, he holds degrees from Duke and UCL. His PhD explored East African carnivores. He advised National Geographic on global conservation priorities.

Yiwen studies conservation science and policy, focusing on invasive species and SDGs. His work highlights policy shortcomings and explores nature-based climate solutions. He assesses carbon financing, reforestation, and conservation effectiveness in Southeast Asia.

LOCAL PARTNERS

Hilde Fålun Strøm

Pierre-André Krueger

Fernando Trujillo

Cynthia Gerling

Guillaume Schneider

Ishor Nachhiring