Two Filipinos named National Geographic Young Explorers

Filipino changemakers have made it to National Geographic’s list of Young Explorers for fall 2020.

Josefa Tauli, 25, and Louise Mabulo, 22, were recognized for their initiatives that respond to some of the world’s most pressing issues.

National Geographic Education describes Young Explorers as “driven optimists who strive to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world,” as per a statement from Jan. 26. The fall 2020 cohort comprises 24 people aged between 17 and 25 years.

Mabulo is the founder of The Cacao Project, an initiative that gives farmers cacao seedlings and short-term crops to grow while also giving them a fair wage, resources and training, as per her website. A chef, farmer and entrepreneur, Mabulo was also named Young Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Program.

Louise Mabulo (official website of Louise Mabulo)

Tauli, a Kankanaey-Ibaloi Igorot from Cordillera, is a steering committee member at the Global Youth Biodiversity Network. The international network aims to prevent the loss of biodiversity. It is the official group for youth in the negotiations under the United Nations’ Convention on Biological Diversity. Besides championing biodiversity, she uses her platform to advocate indigenous peoples’ rights.

Josefa Tauli (Image: Instagram/@sefaisabel)

A Filipino was also in the spring 2020 cohort of Young Explorers: Aldrin Aujero, 19, who co-founded UNESCO-accredited club EarthSAVERS, which works with underserved public schools in Metro Filipino.

National Geographic Education said that in gathering this global community of young people working toward a sustainable future, it is “thrilled to invest in their vision, fund their projects, foster connections, and amplify their work.”  /ra

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