Category Archives: Uncategorized

Exploring New Horizons at the National Geographic Summit in Amsterdam

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I recently had the fantastic opportunity to attend the National Geographic Summit in Amsterdam, and it was truly an inspiring experience! The main stage program showcased a wealth of thought-provoking discussions and innovative ideas that resonated deeply with me. Thank you, amazing Esther Horvath, Iva Njunjic, and others! You were incredible!)

One of the highlights was reconnecting with my old friends and colleagues, the incredible National Geographic Explorers. Lana Tannir, Patricia Pecnerova, Valeriia Kolodezhna—I was so glad to see you again and listen about your projects from your very hands!) It was heartwarming to share stories and experiences, reinforcing the strong bonds we’ve built over the years. I also enjoyed making new friends who share my passion for exploration and conservation. Phoebe Griffith, I am eager to know more about your crocodile tails tales!)

What excites me the most is the potential for future collaborations that emerged from our conversations. I returned home with several ideas I look forward to developing into impactful projects. 

I am looking forward to our new adventures together! The journey of exploration continues, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.

Warm regards,  

Bogdana Vashchenko,  National Geographic Explorer

Breaking Free from Writer’s Addiction: Four Powerful Strategies

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I’m excited to share some insights on overcoming writer’s addiction, inspired by our recent conversation in Croatia at the National Geographic Explorers Hub Meet-Up. We had a fantastic discussion about the challenges of overwriting and the dangers of burnout.

Here are four powerful strategies to help you break free from this cycle and cultivate a more sustainable writing practice in Bogdana Vashchenko’s Science Storytelling blog:

I’d love to hear from all of you! What are your go-to strategies for avoiding burnout in your writing journey? Let’s uplift each other and cultivate a sustainable writing practice!

Celebrating Women’s Voices: A Spotlight on National Geographic Explorer Bogdana Vashchenko

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We are excited to share the remarkable work of Bogdana Vashchenko, a National Geographic Storytelling Explorer, along with the talented photographer Viktor Lyagushkin. Their collaboration was recently featured on the Instagram pages of National Geographic Croatia, Turkiye, Abu Dhabi, and Serbia in honor of International Women’s Day. 

On this occasion, Bogdana reflected on legends about winged women, such as the Swan Princess. She shared, “The meaning of these legends is that there are enough wings in this world to set us free. If you see another person in need, lend them your helping wing—at least one feather.” 

Every voice matters, and every act of kindness is significant. 

Bogdana and Viktor’s partnership showcased powerful stories of women from various cultures, combining stunning visuals with meaningful narratives that resonate deeply. These posts emphasized the importance of women’s struggles for identity and equal rights, inspiring us to appreciate the diverse experiences of women around the world.

Viktor Lyagushkin’s ‘Martians and a Spaceship’: Official Cover Photo for the 2025 UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition

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The United Nations has chosen Viktor Lyagushkin’s photograph “Martians and a Spaceship” as the cover photo for its 2025 Photo Competition for UN World Oceans Day.

The Photo Competition for UN World Oceans Day is an annual event that is free and open to the public. It offers photographers a unique opportunity to showcase the vast beauty of the ocean and highlight the promising potential that lies beneath its waves.

This year’s competition harnesses the power of the arts to broaden our perspectives and deepen our appreciation for our blue planet, inspiring action toward essential change.

The following four categories are now open for submissions:

1. Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us

2. Big and Small Underwater Faces

3. Underwater Seascapes

4. Above Water Seascapes

Winners will be announced on June 8th, UN World Oceans Day, which this year is celebrated in Nice. The event is hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea in partnership with Oceanic Global, and the results will be published on DPG (https://www.divephotoguide.com/) shortly afterward.

For more details about submissions, including category descriptions, contest rules, judges, and more, please click here.

The competition is coordinated by the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, DPG, Oceanic Global, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, and Nausicaá.

Science Storytelling Newsletter by Bogdana Vashchenko

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If you’re as passionate about making science engaging and accessible as I am, I’d love for you to check out my ( Bogdana Vashchenko’s) Science Storytelling newsletter, a resource dedicated to enhancing the storytelling skills of researchers, photographers, and educators. I am a National Geographic Explorer and a science writer with almost 20 years of experience. Your support means the world to me—please read and subscribe!

White Sea Bestiary Lecture in Tbilisi

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Celebrating a birthday can take on an extraordinary twist, especially when one chooses to share their passions and experiences with others. On February 1, 2025, Bogdana Vashchenko and Viktor Lyagushkin captivated a group of foreign photographers with an engaging lecture about their enchanting White Sea Bestiary Project. This presentation was not just a showcase; it was a heartfelt journey through their most cherished and unforgettable moments spent amidst the breathtaking beauty of the White Sea. Their talk left the audience inspired and eager to explore the wonders of nature through the lens of art.

Happy birthday, Bogdana!

photo by Vladimir Pesnya

Bogdana Vashchenko’s New Assignment

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Bogdana Vashchenko is excited to announce that she has just signed a contract as a PR campaign coordinator for the United Nations Environment Programme. Over the next six months, her team will develop educational resources about bats for Georgian schools in collaboration with the Tbilisi Zoo Educational Center. This initiative will include lesson plans, informational materials, learning activities, educational videos, and creative tasks that align with the methodologies and requirements set by the Ministry of Education of Georgia. Additionally, they will create printed informational materials on bat conservation for Georgian teachers and other stakeholders, and organize masterclasses for educators.

The Greater Noctule Bat on Pages of National Geographic Magazine – Georgia

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I am thrilled to share our work in the final issue of National Geographic Magazine—Georgia for 2024. In this article, I showcase the inspiring journey of the Ilias State University of Georgia researchers team as they successfully located and captured the greater noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus), a species that has eluded Georgian scientists since 1971!

Text by: Bogdana Vashchenko Photography by: Viktor Lyagushkin

Chukchi Baidarka Secrets In The German KANU Magazine

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And more of our published Chukotka stories. The indigenous peoples of Chukotka still survive today by hunting and fishing. They go to sea in kayaks, as they did 500 years ago. What and how is a modern Chukchi-Yupik kayak made of, and what is it for?

Text by Bogdana Vashchenko, Viktor Lyagushkin’s photo in the German magazine Kanu (March-April) 2/2024.

Chukotka On The Pages Of Asian Geographic Magazine

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In the cover feature story Life On The Edge for Asian Geographic Magazine, I explored the modern way of life of the Indigenous people of Chukotka.  
I highlighted the connection of the Yupik and Chukchi people with nature and their humble and brave characters. The article can be found in issue #162, Green Edition of Asian Geographic. The amazing photographs are by Viktor Lyagushkin, and the text is by Bogdana Vashchenko.