In a prestigious ceremony held in Washington, D.C., marine biologist Pablo García Borboróg and wildlife filmmaker Bertie Gregory were awarded the 2025 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year title. The honor recognizes their exceptional contributions to conservation and exploration, blending scientific rigor with compelling storytelling to inspire global action.
Pablo García Borboróg: Champion of Ocean Conservation
Borboróg, a Spanish-Ecuadorian marine ecologist, gained acclaim for his decade-long study of endangered shark species in the Galápagos Marine Reserve. His innovative use of AI-powered tracking systems revealed critical migration patterns, leading to expanded protections for hammerheads and whale sharks. “This award amplifies the urgency of preserving our oceans,” Borboróg stated, dedicating the recognition to local conservationists in Latin America.
Bertie Gregory’s Cinematic Revelations
British filmmaker Gregory, known for his Disney+ series Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory, was celebrated for documenting previously unseen behaviors of snow leopards in Mongolia’s Altai Mountains. His team’s thermal drone footage exposed how climate change is fracturing the big cats’ habitats. “Visual storytelling can bridge the gap between science and public awareness,” Gregory remarked during his acceptance speech.
Rolex and National Geographic’s Legacy of Exploration
The annual award, a partnership since 2017, supports trailblazers addressing planetary challenges. Past laureates include cave explorer Kenny Broad and glaciologist Heïdi Sevestre. This year’s winners will receive grants to expand their projects, with Borboróg targeting illegal fishing networks and Gregory developing a VR platform to simulate endangered ecosystems.
