National Geographic Panamá Store Opens In Tocumén International Airport

PANAMA CITY, Panam? (Oct. 9, 2012)—Visitors to Panam? can experience a new and exciting way to explore the world when they visit National Geographic’s first retail store in Panam?, which has opened in the newly constructed north wing of the Tocum?n International Airport near Panama City. Drawing on National Geographic’s 124-year heritage of inspiring people to care about the planet, National Geographic’s new store brings together its products and services in a constantly evolving, culturally inspired setting.

More than a traditional retail environment, the National Geographic Panam? Store welcomes travelers with compelling interactive visual displays and state-of-the-art design dedicated to stimulating, educating and inspiring visitors to celebrate global cultures. Travelers can also find National Geographic stores in Madrid, London, Andorra, Palma de Mallorca, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

“National Geographic Stores have already garnered a lot of interest from travelers across the globe who get to experience the brand in a whole new dimension. We are thrilled to open this store in Panam? and look forward to it becoming our hub in Latin America,” said Marisa Selfa, CEO of Worldwide Retail Store S.L.

The new store features a wide selection of National Geographic products, including its award-winning magazines, books and DVDs as well as newly created products. The store also offers items designed for the rigors of adventure and exploration, from casual travel gear to multi-layered apparel suitable for diverse climates and activities. Key product lines include apparel, luggage, stationery, maps, globes and a wide selection of children’s products.

National Geographic’s net proceeds support the Society’s exploration, conservation, research and education programs.

National Geographic Panam? Store

Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocum?n, Panam?

Mulle Norte, Local C2-111

www.ngpanamastore.com

Store Opening Hours

6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

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All Roads Film Project Announces 2012 Film Festival Award Winners

WASHINGTON (Sept. 28, 2012)—National Geographic’s All Roads Film Project announced the award winners of this year’s All Roads Film Festival last night at a reception at National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The award for Best Documentary went to “Los Descendientes del Jaguar” (“Children of the Jaguar”), which chronicles the courtroom triumph of the Sarayaku people of the Amazon over oil exploration that took place on their land without their consent. The Best of Narratives award was won by “Burros” (“Donkeys”), the tale of a 10-year-old Mexican boy’s adventures as he runs away from his aunt’s house and finds his way home. The Best of Stories award went to “Busong” (“Palawan Fate”), a Philippines film that deals with animism.

The winners were selected by a jury, and this year’s award, handmade by Santa Fe artist Beau Duran, depicts a traditional Tesuque Pueblo corn maiden spirit.

All Roads Film Festival Director Francene Blythe presented the awards in front of a crowd that included the All Roads Film Project board members and representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines and the Mexican Cultural Institute as well as the talented filmmakers whose work comprised the festival.

“Every year, the All Roads Film Festival has the opportunity to host fresh new filmmakers from around the world. This year we are pleased to present another outstanding collection of films, including documentaries, short films and full-length features,” said Blythe. “These awards, chosen by a distinguished jury, recognize those films that have made the most impact this year, but as in years past, the films that will be screened this weekend represent some of the most impressive indigenous filmmakers in the world.”

This year marks the eighth All Roads Film Festival, a groundbreaking program that offers contemporary stories by or about indigenous and under-represented minority cultures.

The 2012 Festival continues through Sunday, Sept. 30, at the National Geographic Society, with the theme “Vibrant Cultures from Around the World.” A full festival schedule and ticketing information are available at http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/event-series/all-roads-film-festival-washington-dc/.

For the official All Roads Film Festival trailer, go to http://www.youtube.com/embed/DA0QcpBuGdY.

The All Roads Film Festival is part of the All Roads Film Project, a National Geographic program created to provide an international platform for indigenous and under-represented minority-culture artists to share cultures, stories and perspectives through the power of film and photography. In addition to providing a venue for their films, All Roads offers its filmmakers and photographers a series of networking opportunities and awards a minimum of 10 film grants a year to support the development and production of film and video projects by or about indigenous and under-represented minority-culture communities. Film grant recipients are considered for inclusion in the All Roads Film Festival and other National Geographic-affiliated broadcast outlets.

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This Halloween, Nat Geo Wild Challenges Kids to Cause an Uproar By Collecting Coins For Cats!

Second Annual Trick-or-Treat for Big Cats Campaign
Also Features New Opportunity for Schools —Fun, Interactive Trick-or-Treat Campaign

WASHINGTON (Oct. 2, 2012)—This Halloween, Nat Geo WILD is challenging trick-or-treaters of all ages to help save big cats from extinction by collecting money (along with their candy) for National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative. By trick-or-treating for big cats — lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards and others — children across America will be joining a community of explorers, conservationists and big cat lovers around the world who want to save these magnificent creatures from extinction… so we don’t wind up talking about lions and tigers the way we talk about dinosaurs.

On Halloween, kids around the country can help National Geographic make a difference by becoming Big Cat Ambassadors in their own neighborhood. Visit www.causeanuproar.org to learn more about the Trick-or-Treat for Big Cats campaign and download fun and free resources — including trick-or-treat collection wrappers, Big Cat O’Lantern carving sketches, costume ideas, big cat masks, face paintings and more.

New this year, National Geographic has also launched the Trick-or-Treat for Big Cats School Challenge to rally kids in the classroom on a school-wide level. The program encourages group participation and provides teachers and students with a fun, yet meaningful, service-learning project. Schools that raise funds at designated tier levels will receive educational thank-you gifts such as wall-size world maps, illuminated desktop globes or a visit from a National Geographic Big Cats expert.

Trick-or-Treat for Big Cats is one of the ways National Geographic and its partners are committed to doing whatever it takes to help these cats claw their way back to healthy, stable populations. The big cat crisis is real and it’s happening now. Africa’s lion population has declined by more than 90 percent in the last 50 years. There are now more tigers living in captivity than in the wild. Cheetahs have disappeared from more than 75 percent of their range in Africa.

These top predators are quickly disappearing — victims of conflict with humans and of habitat loss or degradation. Because big cats are keystone species in their ecosystems, the loss of these majestic animals also means that the natural balance of entire environments is destroyed. National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative is a long-term effort to halt the decline of these iconic animals in the wild. Money collected from Trick-or-Treat for Big Cats will support timely and effective conservation programs.

The initiative also includes the third annual Big Cat Week on Nat Geo WILD, premiering this December, as well as the Big Cats Sister School Program which pairs US and African schools in a cross-cultural exchange between students. These programs all support the work being done in the field by 28 BCI Grantees, resulting in 28 projects in 14 countries.

So whether your favorite feline is the lion, tiger, puma, jaguar, leopard or cheetah, head over to www.causeanuproar.org to find out how you can collect coins for cats and make a difference this Halloween.

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National Geographic to Present Free Event at Cornell University on Oct. 13

ITHACA, N.Y. (Sept. 28, 2012)—National Geographic and Cornell University will present a free public presentation about New Guinea’s spectacular birds-of-paradise as well as National Geographic  field research and exploration. It will feature National Geographic Vice President of Research, Conservation and Exploration John Francis; National Geographic photographer Tim Laman; and Cornell ornithologist Edwin Scholes. The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. in the Statler Hall Auditorium on the Cornell University campus.

Francis will discuss his role at National Geographic and the organization’s support of exploration around the globe. Laman and Scholes will share extraordinary imagery, sounds and stories from their eight-year quest to document all 39 species of birds-of-paradise in New Guinea for the first time.

Laman (http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photographers/photographer-tim-laman/?source=A-to-Z) is a wildlife photographer, field biologist and noted conservationist whose photos were first published in National Geographic magazine more than 15 years ago. Scholes, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s biodiversity video curator, is a leading authority on the behavior and evolution of the birds-of-paradise in New Guinea, having studied them for more than a decade.

The two partnered in 2003, and by 2006 they had captured on film 22 species of these elusive birds. Laman and Scholes received funding from the National Geographic Expeditions Council and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to finish what they had started — creating a “family portrait” of all 39 species. In 2011, after 18 expeditions, the two succeeded, capturing both still images and video footage of all 39 birds-of-paradise.

Birds-of-paradise have captivated scientists and photographers alike for decades, mainly because of their colorful feathers, extravagant ornamentation and bizarre courtship behaviors. Laman and Scholes also studied the birds’ mating rituals and dances and how the process of sexual selection has shaped their evolution.

Laman and Scholes authored “Birds of Paradise: Revealing the World’s Most Extraordinary Birds,” to be released by National Geographic Books on Oct. 23. The book is part of a National Geographic Society-wide effort and a collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which includes an exhibition at the National Geographic Museum opening Thursday, Nov. 1; a documentary on the National Geographic Channel, “Winged Seduction: Birds of Paradise” airing on Nov. 22 and releasing later on DVD; National Geographic Live lectures across the country; and an article in the December issue of National Geographic magazine, which includes bonus materials in the iPad edition.

The public presentation will follow a daylong workshop on National Geographic’s Young Explorers Grants program for aspiring scientists between the ages of 18 and 25 wishing to pursue research-, exploration- and conservation-based field projects.

The Oct. 13 workshop is hosted at Cornell University with support from the National Geographic Society, Lucy and Henry Billingsley, Panasonic, the Brinson Foundation, The North Face and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

CONTACT:        Kelsey Flora, National Geographic, kflora@ngs.org, (202) 828-8023

Pat Leonard, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, pel27@cornell.edu, (607) 254-2137

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Information on National Geographic’s Young Explorers Grants program:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/field/grants-programs/young-explorers/

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National Geographic Explorers and Nobel Laureates Are Featured in Second Season of ‘The Big Idea’ Speaker Series

WASHINGTON (Oct. 10, 2012)—National Geographic Live and the Nobel Prize Series have announced the second year of their partnership on the speaker series “The Big Idea,” featuring Nobel Laureates in conversation with National Geographic explorers. As with last year’s groundbreaking inaugural series, the theme will be exploration. The venue for the three ticketed evening events, part of the National Geographic Live series for 2012, is Grosvenor Auditorium at National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C.

“Blue Holes & Dark Energy: Mapping the Unknown,” opens the series on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. Adam Reiss, 2011 Nobel Laureate in Physics, and National Geographic’s 2011 Explorer of the Year Kenny Broad will discuss the adventure of exploring unknown realms and how their explorations provide clarity both on human origins and the future of the cosmos. Senior Executive Producer of National Geographic Specials John Bredar will moderate.

The second event in the series, “Locust Swarms and Ozone Holes,” on Friday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m., pairs 1996 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Mario Molina with behavioral ecologist Iain Couzin, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer. Both together and separately, their scientific research is making an impact on public policy. Boyd Matson, leading broadcast journalist for National Geographic and host of National Geographic Weekend radio show, will moderate.

“What Makes a Society Successful: A Look at Human and Chimpanzee Communities,” rounds out the series on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Roger Myerson, 2007 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, and Jill Pruetz, biological anthropologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer, will share insights into information sharing, conflict resolution and social cohesion within human and chimpanzee societies, with an eye toward how each species uses cognition to improve its society. Matson will moderate.

“The pairing of Nobel Laureates and National Geographic explorers is a natural one, driven by both organizations’ appreciation and support for science and exploration. We are excited about the second year of this series and hope that together we can spur enlightening conversations about human achievement and achieve National Geographic’s mission of inspiring people to care about the planet,” said National Geographic Vice President for Public Programs Greg McGruder.

“We are delighted to continue this partnership with the National Geographic Society and ‘The Big Idea’ speaker series. With the unique and inspiring combination of Nobel Laureates and National Geographic explorers, the events broaden knowledge and interest in the Nobel Prize- awarded achievements and their impact on society,” said Camilla Hylt?n-Cavallius, CEO for Nobel Media.

Tickets to each event are $20 for National Geographic members and $22 for the general public. Package tickets for the three-part series are $57 for National Geographic members and $63 for the general public. Each event will be followed by a reception at National Geographic headquarters. Tickets are on sale at www.nglive.org.

About the Nobel Prize Series and Nobel Media

The Nobel Prize Series encompasses broad lecture programs and is managed by Nobel Media AB, the company responsible for managing and developing media rights in connection with the Nobel Prize. Nobel Media aims to spread knowledge and interest in the Nobel Prize-awarded achievements to a global audience, through digital and broadcast media, publishing and events.

Nobel Media?, Nobel Prize? and Nobel Prize Series? are registered trademarks of the Nobel Foundation.

About National Geographic Live

National Geographic Live is a branded series of events including live concerts, films and dynamic presentations by today’s leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers and photographers, covering a wide range of topics such as exploration and adventure; wildlife and habitat; natural phenomena; and relevant issues such as climate change and energy conservation. Proceeds from speaker series ticket sales help fund future National Geographic initiatives in field research, exploration and education. For more information, visit www.nglive.org.

Contacts:

Merci Olsson

Nobel Prize Series

+46 738523595

merci.olsson@nobelmedia.se

Carrie Engel

National Geographic Society

(202) 457-8449

cengel@ngs.org

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National Geographic Launches Local-Language Editions In Latvia, Georgia, Mongolia

WASHINGTON (Sept. 28, 2012)—The National Geographic Society, one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, will launch its official journal, National Geographic magazine, in the Latvian, Georgian and Mongolian languages in October 2012; National Geographic will also launch National Geographic Kids magazine in Mongolia. The new editions will give readers access to the original content of the publication that has set the standard for excellence in reporting, photography and cartography for nearly 125 years, and to its award-winning Kids counterpart.

Available on newsstands beginning in late September, the Latvian, Georgian and Mongolian editions of National Geographic magazine will be offered monthly and will mirror the content of the English-language edition of the magazine, with some localized reporting. National Geographic Kids Mongolia will be published 10 times per year.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome three new editions of National Geographic magazine and a new edition of National Geographic Kids magazine into the fold,” said Terry Adamson, executive vice president for National Geographic Society. “As we add new partners, we have the opportunity to grow National Geographic’s mission to inspire people to care about the planet and to increase the relevance of our brand worldwide.”

The new editions expand the international reach of the National Geographic Society to 36 local-language editions of National Geographic magazine and 17 editions of National Geographic Kids magazine.

The Latvian edition will be published under license from the National Geographic Society by ALG Periodika LV, a subsidiary of major Lithuanian publishing and book sales group Alma Littera; Rimants Ziedonis will serve as editor-in-chief.

The Georgian edition of National Geographic magazine will be published under license by Silk Road Investment Group, with Levan Butkhuzi serving as editor-in-chief.

iRMUUN will publish the Mongolian edition of National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Kids magazine; A. Delgerjargal is editorial director of National Geographic magazine; Tsolmon Enkhbat will serve as editor of National Geographic Kids Mongolia.

Published in English since 1888, National Geographic magazine provides in-depth editorial coverage of cultures, nature, science and technology. The magazine reaches more than 60 million readers worldwide every month. In addition to its English edition and the Latvian, Georgian and Mongolian local-language editions debuting next month, the magazine is published in 33 other local-language editions: Japanese, Spanish (separate editions for Spain and Latin America), Italian, Hebrew, Greek, French, German, Polish, Korean, Portuguese (separate editions for Portugal and Brazil), Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, Chinese (traditional characters), Chinese (simple characters), Finnish, Turkish, Thai, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Russian, Croatian, Bahasa, Bulgarian, Slovenian, Serbian, Lithuanian, Arabic and Estonian.

About National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, music and radio, books, DVDs, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society’s official journal, is read by more than 60 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches 440 million households in 171 countries in 38 languages. National Geographic Digital Media receives more than 20 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geography literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/natgeo

About Alma Littera

Alma Littera is part of the biggest publishing and book sales group in the Baltic. Established in 2002, the Alma Littera group also includes Sviesa Publishers, bookshop network Pegasas and The Book Club.

About iRMUUN

iRMUUN was founded in 1999. Since then, it has established itself as the most influential magazine publisher and communications agency in Mongolia. Its businesses include magazine and book publishing, websites, advertising, presswork and distribution. One of the key factors to iRMUUN’s success is summarized as “worldwide views based on localization.” Copyright cooperation with the most powerful publishers in the world has helped iRMUUN to create more unique and refined contents and style. Now, because we have diversified our activities across multiple media and genres, from corporate communications and marketing to original magazines, animated films, and comic books, we are re-branding ourselves as iMG — iRMUUN Media Group.

About Silk Road Group

Silk Road Group, led by Georgian businessman George Ramishvili, is one of the leading private investment groups active in the Caucasus and Central Asian region, with participations in different sectors of the Georgian economy, including transportation, trading, real estate, retail, tourism and telecommunication. Jointly with its partners, SRG has facilitated investments of over USD 400 million into the Georgian economy over the last six years. Most recently, SRG celebrated the opening of the Radisson Blu Batumi hotel project, developed jointly with other investors.

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National Geographic Explorers and Nobel Laureates Are Featured in Second Season of ‘The Big Idea’ Speaker Series

WASHINGTON (Oct. 10, 2012)—National Geographic Live and the Nobel Prize Series have announced the second year of their partnership on the speaker series “The Big Idea,” featuring Nobel Laureates in conversation with National Geographic explorers. As with last year’s groundbreaking inaugural series, the theme will be exploration. The venue for the three ticketed evening events, part of the National Geographic Live series for 2012, is Grosvenor Auditorium at National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C.

“Blue Holes & Dark Energy: Mapping the Unknown,” opens the series on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. Adam Reiss, 2011 Nobel Laureate in Physics, and National Geographic’s 2011 Explorer of the Year Kenny Broad will discuss the adventure of exploring unknown realms and how their explorations provide clarity both on human origins and the future of the cosmos. Senior Executive Producer of National Geographic Specials John Bredar will moderate.

The second event in the series, “Locust Swarms and Ozone Holes,” on Friday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m., pairs 1996 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Mario Molina with behavioral ecologist Iain Couzin, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer. Both together and separately, their scientific research is making an impact on public policy. Boyd Matson, leading broadcast journalist for National Geographic and host of National Geographic Weekend radio show, will moderate.

“What Makes a Society Successful: A Look at Human and Chimpanzee Communities,” rounds out the series on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Roger Myerson, 2007 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, and Jill Pruetz, biological anthropologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer, will share insights into information sharing, conflict resolution and social cohesion within human and chimpanzee societies, with an eye toward how each species uses cognition to improve its society. Matson will moderate.

“The pairing of Nobel Laureates and National Geographic explorers is a natural one, driven by both organizations’ appreciation and support for science and exploration. We are excited about the second year of this series and hope that together we can spur enlightening conversations about human achievement and achieve National Geographic’s mission of inspiring people to care about the planet,” said National Geographic Vice President for Public Programs Greg McGruder.

“We are delighted to continue this partnership with the National Geographic Society and ‘The Big Idea’ speaker series. With the unique and inspiring combination of Nobel Laureates and National Geographic explorers, the events broaden knowledge and interest in the Nobel Prize- awarded achievements and their impact on society,” said Camilla Hylt?n-Cavallius, CEO for Nobel Media.

Tickets to each event are $20 for National Geographic members and $22 for the general public. Package tickets for the three-part series are $57 for National Geographic members and $63 for the general public. Each event will be followed by a reception at National Geographic headquarters. Tickets are on sale at www.nglive.org.

About the Nobel Prize Series and Nobel Media

The Nobel Prize Series encompasses broad lecture programs and is managed by Nobel Media AB, the company responsible for managing and developing media rights in connection with the Nobel Prize. Nobel Media aims to spread knowledge and interest in the Nobel Prize-awarded achievements to a global audience, through digital and broadcast media, publishing and events.

Nobel Media?, Nobel Prize? and Nobel Prize Series? are registered trademarks of the Nobel Foundation.

About National Geographic Live

National Geographic Live is a branded series of events including live concerts, films and dynamic presentations by today’s leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers and photographers, covering a wide range of topics such as exploration and adventure; wildlife and habitat; natural phenomena; and relevant issues such as climate change and energy conservation. Proceeds from speaker series ticket sales help fund future National Geographic initiatives in field research, exploration and education. For more information, visit www.nglive.org.

Contacts:

Merci Olsson

Nobel Prize Series

+46 738523595

merci.olsson@nobelmedia.se

Carrie Engel

National Geographic Society

(202) 457-8449

cengel@ngs.org

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GREAT EMPIRES: An Illustrated Atlas

WASHINGTON (Sept. 25, 2012)—Trace the path of power around the globe and across centuries with National Geographic’s GREAT EMPIRES: An Illustrated Atlas (National Geographic Books; ISBN 978-4262-0829-4; Nov. 20, 2012; $40 hardcover). This unique book, by Stephen G. Hyslop and Patricia Daniels, illustrates what life was like when pharaohs erected the majestic pyramids, when Hannibal commanded Carthage’s 40,000 troops, when Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor and when the quest for territorial expansion defined the destiny of leaders and the lives of ordinary people.

The atlas chronicles three eras — the Ancient World, the Middle Ages and Modern Empires — and includes an epilogue on the Collapse of Modern Empires. The Ancient World (2600 B.C-A.D. 500), delves into ancient Middle East; Egypt; Greece, Carthage and Rome; and India and China. The Middle Ages (500-1500) traces Byzantium and the Arab World; medieval Asia and the Khmer, Mongols and Ming; the Christian and Muslim dynasties of medieval Europe and Africa; and Native American empires of the Toltec, Aztec and Inca. Modern Empires (1500s-1900s) focuses on the Spanish American and British empires and the Imperial Tribes of North America; the Ottoman and Asante empires in the Mediterranean and Africa; and the Mughals, Qing and Romanovs in the east. The epilogue outlines the end of the Age of Imperialism, which began at the close of World War l and was solidified by the aftermath of World War ll.

GREAT EMPIRES explores a total of 31 empires across the globe, including storied powers such as the Qin and Han dynasties and Babylonian empires that helped shape our world as we know it. Nearly 40 full-color new and archival maps customized by National Geographic cartographers show the extent of territory; major trade routes; paths of military campaigns; significant roads, walls and buildings; and sites of pivotal battles. Select maps juxtapose the ancient and modern landscapes by illuminating changes in physical geography.

GREAT EMPIRES also features sidebars and fact boxes that offer insights into rulers such as Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, and shed light on the people, ideas and innovations of each empire. Captivating images feature the traditions, art and culture of the times.

About the Authors

Stephen G. Hyslop has written extensively for National Geographic and Time-Life Books, including “Almanac of World” (with Patricia Daniels), “Eyewitness to the Civil War,” “Atlas of the Civil War,” “Bound for Santa Fe” and “Chroniclers of Indian Life.”

Patricia Daniels has written, edited or contributed to many National Geographic books on history, science and geography, most recently “Almanac of World History,” “New Solar System,” “Eyewitness to History” and “National Geographic Encyclopedia of Space.”

About National Geographic Books

National Geographic Books is a global publisher of 125 new books annually in Adult and Children’s combined, as well as a publisher of digital content and services with more than 50 partners who translate our books.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; school publishing programs; live events; interactive media; merchandise; and travel programs. For more information on National Geographic Books, visit facebook.com/NatGeoBooks and nationalgeographic.com/books.

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National Geographic Kids and Rovio Extend Partnership with New Book to Advance Wildlife and Geographic Knowledge Within Casual Learning Framework

National Geographic Books Acquires Cesar Millan’s ‘Short Guide to a Happy Dog’

WASHINGTON (Oct. 8, 2012)—National Geographic has bought worldwide rights to No. 1 New York Times bestselling author and TV star Cesar Millan’s upcoming book SHORT GUIDE TO A HAPPY DOG, timed to coincide with the premiere of his new Nat Geo WILD series “Cesar Millan’s Leader of the Pack” in January 2013. Agent Bob Aniello brokered the deal with National Geographic senior editors Hilary Black and Lisa Thomas, with Amy Briggs editing.

            “We are thrilled to welcome Cesar Millan into the Nat Geo publishing fold,” said Janet Goldstein, SVP and editorial director of National Geographic’s Books division. “It’s a natural home for him, given his celebrated collaboration with our television channel and our passion for creating books that educate and engage readers about the world.”

            The book will distill the world-famous “Dog Whisperer”’s amazing insights into 98 essential lessons designed to help owners build a happier, healthier relationship with their canine companions. These tips and techniques go beyond obedience school basics to address such issues as understanding dog psychology, choosing the right dog for your family and helping your dog adjust to major life transitions. Millan also uses case studies with celebrity clients to provide real-world applications. Smart, simple and easy to use, CESAR MILLAN’S SHORT GUIDE TO A HAPPY DOG is an ideal guide for families and dog owners of all ages and is a perfect gift for lovers of canines of every breed.

            CESAR MILLAN’S SHORT GUIDE TO A HAPPY DOG is set to publish Jan. 2, 2013. The new Nat Geo WILD series “Cesar Millan’s Leader of the Pack” will premiere in January 2013.

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 125 YEARS: Legendary Photographs, Adventures, and Discoveries That Changed the World

WASHINGTON (Sept. 25, 2012)—On Jan. 13, 1888, a group of 33 men met at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., to discuss a way to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge across the world. A century and a quarter later, after landmark shipwreck discoveries, stunning images from countless cultures and expeditions from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the National Geographic Society has expanded beyond those original founding members, but the organization’s goal of spreading geographic knowledge around the globe has remained the same.

This fall, readers can join the National Geographic Society in celebrating its past and future with a new book NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 125 YEARS: Legendary Photographs, Adventures, and Discoveries That Changed the World (National Geographic Books; ISBN 978-1-4262-0957-4; on sale Nov. 6, 2012; $50 hardcover), by author and historian Mark Collins Jenkins, a former National Geographic Society archivist. The foreword is by Gilbert M. Grosvenor, the Society’s former chairman, president and National Geographic magazine editor, who is a fifth-generation member of the Society’s founding family.

Filled with exhilarating tales and astonishing photography, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 125 YEARS is an engrossing visual chronicle of the last 12-and-a-half decades through the eyes of the explorers, writers and photographers who captured it all. Readers will be able to dive deeper into the iconic yellow border and get a behind-the-scenes look into the stories that have shaped the world, including Hiram Bingham’s discovery of the lost city of Machu Picchu, the arctic explorations of Richard Byrd, Jane Goodall’s legendary chimpanzee research and the epic dives of Jacques Cousteau and James Cameron.

Laid out chronologically, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 125 YEARS explores the history of the Society from a small group dedicated to spreading geographic knowledge of the world and all that’s in it to the international nonprofit and media company it is today. Each era of the Society’s history is highlighted, featuring the most significant expeditions, field research and photography. Personal stories from legendary explorers such as Luis Marden, who discovered the remains of the H.M.V.S. Bounty, and marine biologist Sylvia Earle, as well as writers and photographers in the field fill each chapter, along with quotes from important figures associated with the Society, including paleontologist Louis Leakey, underwater explorer Robert Ballard, geneticist Spencer Wells and many more.

The more than 600 images by world-renowned photographers from the Society’s history illuminate the legendary storytelling of National Geographic. Readers can revisit Japan with Eliza R. Scidmore’s hand-tinted images of Japanese life in the early 20th century; remember the haunting eyes of the Afghan Girl in Steve McCurry’s iconic photograph; and take a trip to the American West with images made by William Albert Allard over his 50-year career. Other featured photographers include such renowned masters as David Doubilet, Chris Johns, Emory Kristof, David Allan Harvey, Sam Abell, Brian Skerry, Paul Nicklen, Frans Lanting, Annie Griffiths, Mattias Klum, Jodi Cobb and Joel Sartore.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 125 YEARS also looks into the future of exploration, celebrating not just where we have gone but where we can go next. The book celebrates the history of National Geographic and showcases the quest for knowledge and adventure that has driven the Society’s mission for well over a century.

About the Author

Former National Geographic librarian and archivist Mark Collins Jenkins is the author of many books, including “On Assignment with National Geographic: The Inside Story of the National Geographic Society,” “Worlds to Explore: Classic Tales of Adventure from National Geographic,” “Vampire Forensics” and “The War of 1812 and the Rise of the U.S. Navy.” He lives in Fredericksburg, Va.

About National Geographic Books

National Geographic Books is a global publisher of 125 new books annually in Adult and Children’s combined, as well as a publisher of digital content and services with more than 50 partners who translate our books.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; school publishing programs; live events; interactive media; merchandise; and travel programs. For more information on National Geographic Books, visit facebook.com/NatGeoBooks and nationalgeographic.com/books.

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National Geographic Launches Local-Language Editions In Latvia, Georgia, Mongolia

WASHINGTON (Sept. 28, 2012)—The National Geographic Society, one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, will launch its official journal, National Geographic magazine, in the Latvian, Georgian and Mongolian languages in October 2012; National Geographic will also launch National Geographic Kids magazine in Mongolia. The new editions will give readers access to the original content of the publication that has set the standard for excellence in reporting, photography and cartography for nearly 125 years, and to its award-winning Kids counterpart.

Available on newsstands beginning in late September, the Latvian, Georgian and Mongolian editions of National Geographic magazine will be offered monthly and will mirror the content of the English-language edition of the magazine, with some localized reporting. National Geographic Kids Mongolia will be published 10 times per year.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome three new editions of National Geographic magazine and a new edition of National Geographic Kids magazine into the fold,” said Terry Adamson, executive vice president for National Geographic Society. “As we add new partners, we have the opportunity to grow National Geographic’s mission to inspire people to care about the planet and to increase the relevance of our brand worldwide.”

The new editions expand the international reach of the National Geographic Society to 36 local-language editions of National Geographic magazine and 17 editions of National Geographic Kids magazine.

The Latvian edition will be published under license from the National Geographic Society by ALG Periodika LV, a subsidiary of major Lithuanian publishing and book sales group Alma Littera; Rimants Ziedonis will serve as editor-in-chief.

The Georgian edition of National Geographic magazine will be published under license by Silk Road Investment Group, with Levan Butkhuzi serving as editor-in-chief.

iRMUUN will publish the Mongolian edition of National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Kids magazine; A. Delgerjargal is editorial director of National Geographic magazine; Tsolmon Enkhbat will serve as editor of National Geographic Kids Mongolia.

Published in English since 1888, National Geographic magazine provides in-depth editorial coverage of cultures, nature, science and technology. The magazine reaches more than 60 million readers worldwide every month. In addition to its English edition and the Latvian, Georgian and Mongolian local-language editions debuting next month, the magazine is published in 33 other local-language editions: Japanese, Spanish (separate editions for Spain and Latin America), Italian, Hebrew, Greek, French, German, Polish, Korean, Portuguese (separate editions for Portugal and Brazil), Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, Chinese (traditional characters), Chinese (simple characters), Finnish, Turkish, Thai, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Russian, Croatian, Bahasa, Bulgarian, Slovenian, Serbian, Lithuanian, Arabic and Estonian.

About National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, music and radio, books, DVDs, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society’s official journal, is read by more than 60 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches 440 million households in 171 countries in 38 languages. National Geographic Digital Media receives more than 20 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geography literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/natgeo

About Alma Littera

Alma Littera is part of the biggest publishing and book sales group in the Baltic. Established in 2002, the Alma Littera group also includes Sviesa Publishers, bookshop network Pegasas and The Book Club.

About iRMUUN

iRMUUN was founded in 1999. Since then, it has established itself as the most influential magazine publisher and communications agency in Mongolia. Its businesses include magazine and book publishing, websites, advertising, presswork and distribution. One of the key factors to iRMUUN’s success is summarized as “worldwide views based on localization.” Copyright cooperation with the most powerful publishers in the world has helped iRMUUN to create more unique and refined contents and style. Now, because we have diversified our activities across multiple media and genres, from corporate communications and marketing to original magazines, animated films, and comic books, we are re-branding ourselves as iMG — iRMUUN Media Group.

About Silk Road Group

Silk Road Group, led by Georgian businessman George Ramishvili, is one of the leading private investment groups active in the Caucasus and Central Asian region, with participations in different sectors of the Georgian economy, including transportation, trading, real estate, retail, tourism and telecommunication. Jointly with its partners, SRG has facilitated investments of over USD 400 million into the Georgian economy over the last six years. Most recently, SRG celebrated the opening of the Radisson Blu Batumi hotel project, developed jointly with other investors.

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All Roads Film Project Announces 2012 Film Festival Award Winners

WASHINGTON (Sept. 28, 2012)—National Geographic’s All Roads Film Project announced the award winners of this year’s All Roads Film Festival last night at a reception at National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The award for Best Documentary went to “Los Descendientes del Jaguar” (“Children of the Jaguar”), which chronicles the courtroom triumph of the Sarayaku people of the Amazon over oil exploration that took place on their land without their consent. The Best of Narratives award was won by “Burros” (“Donkeys”), the tale of a 10-year-old Mexican boy’s adventures as he runs away from his aunt’s house and finds his way home. The Best of Stories award went to “Busong” (“Palawan Fate”), a Philippines film that deals with animism.

The winners were selected by a jury, and this year’s award, handmade by Santa Fe artist Beau Duran, depicts a traditional Tesuque Pueblo corn maiden spirit.

All Roads Film Festival Director Francene Blythe presented the awards in front of a crowd that included the All Roads Film Project board members and representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines and the Mexican Cultural Institute as well as the talented filmmakers whose work comprised the festival.

“Every year, the All Roads Film Festival has the opportunity to host fresh new filmmakers from around the world. This year we are pleased to present another outstanding collection of films, including documentaries, short films and full-length features,” said Blythe. “These awards, chosen by a distinguished jury, recognize those films that have made the most impact this year, but as in years past, the films that will be screened this weekend represent some of the most impressive indigenous filmmakers in the world.”

This year marks the eighth All Roads Film Festival, a groundbreaking program that offers contemporary stories by or about indigenous and under-represented minority cultures.

The 2012 Festival continues through Sunday, Sept. 30, at the National Geographic Society, with the theme “Vibrant Cultures from Around the World.” A full festival schedule and ticketing information are available at http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/event-series/all-roads-film-festival-washington-dc/.

For the official All Roads Film Festival trailer, go to http://www.youtube.com/embed/DA0QcpBuGdY.

The All Roads Film Festival is part of the All Roads Film Project, a National Geographic program created to provide an international platform for indigenous and under-represented minority-culture artists to share cultures, stories and perspectives through the power of film and photography. In addition to providing a venue for their films, All Roads offers its filmmakers and photographers a series of networking opportunities and awards a minimum of 10 film grants a year to support the development and production of film and video projects by or about indigenous and under-represented minority-culture communities. Film grant recipients are considered for inclusion in the All Roads Film Festival and other National Geographic-affiliated broadcast outlets.

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National Geographic to Present Free Event at Cornell University on Oct. 13

ITHACA, N.Y. (Sept. 28, 2012)—National Geographic and Cornell University will present a free public presentation about New Guinea’s spectacular birds-of-paradise as well as National Geographic  field research and exploration. It will feature National Geographic Vice President of Research, Conservation and Exploration John Francis; National Geographic photographer Tim Laman; and Cornell ornithologist Edwin Scholes. The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. in the Statler Hall Auditorium on the Cornell University campus.

Francis will discuss his role at National Geographic and the organization’s support of exploration around the globe. Laman and Scholes will share extraordinary imagery, sounds and stories from their eight-year quest to document all 39 species of birds-of-paradise in New Guinea for the first time.

Laman (http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photographers/photographer-tim-laman/?source=A-to-Z) is a wildlife photographer, field biologist and noted conservationist whose photos were first published in National Geographic magazine more than 15 years ago. Scholes, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s biodiversity video curator, is a leading authority on the behavior and evolution of the birds-of-paradise in New Guinea, having studied them for more than a decade.

The two partnered in 2003, and by 2006 they had captured on film 22 species of these elusive birds. Laman and Scholes received funding from the National Geographic Expeditions Council and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to finish what they had started — creating a “family portrait” of all 39 species. In 2011, after 18 expeditions, the two succeeded, capturing both still images and video footage of all 39 birds-of-paradise.

Birds-of-paradise have captivated scientists and photographers alike for decades, mainly because of their colorful feathers, extravagant ornamentation and bizarre courtship behaviors. Laman and Scholes also studied the birds’ mating rituals and dances and how the process of sexual selection has shaped their evolution.

Laman and Scholes authored “Birds of Paradise: Revealing the World’s Most Extraordinary Birds,” to be released by National Geographic Books on Oct. 23. The book is part of a National Geographic Society-wide effort and a collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which includes an exhibition at the National Geographic Museum opening Thursday, Nov. 1; a documentary on the National Geographic Channel, “Winged Seduction: Birds of Paradise” airing on Nov. 22 and releasing later on DVD; National Geographic Live lectures across the country; and an article in the December issue of National Geographic magazine, which includes bonus materials in the iPad edition.

The public presentation will follow a daylong workshop on National Geographic’s Young Explorers Grants program for aspiring scientists between the ages of 18 and 25 wishing to pursue research-, exploration- and conservation-based field projects.

The Oct. 13 workshop is hosted at Cornell University with support from the National Geographic Society, Lucy and Henry Billingsley, Panasonic, the Brinson Foundation, The North Face and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

CONTACT:        Kelsey Flora, National Geographic, kflora@ngs.org, (202) 828-8023

Pat Leonard, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, pel27@cornell.edu, (607) 254-2137

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Information on National Geographic’s Young Explorers Grants program:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/field/grants-programs/young-explorers/

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