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National Geographic Society Grants Application - Science/Education

Project Information

Title of Project: Looking into The Eye of the Sahara: Interactive Exploration of Human History and Sustainable Futures

Project Start Date: March 1, 2025

Primary Fieldwork Location Country or Area: Mauritania (Eye of the Sahara/Richat Structure)

Primary Fieldwork Location Start Date: January 15, 2026

Fieldwork End Date: March 15, 2026

Fieldwork Location Country or Area #2: Hungary (Semiramis Project Site)

Fieldwork Location 2 Start Date: April 1, 2025

Fieldwork Location 2 End Date: December 15, 2025

Fieldwork Location Country or Area #3: Various European locations (Solution Together documentation)

Fieldwork Location 3 Start Date: May 1, 2025

Fieldwork Location 3 End Date: December 31, 2026

Project End Date: February 28, 2027

The primary focus area for your project is: Human Histories & Cultures

The secondary focus area of your project is: Planetary Health

The primary discipline for your project is: Storytelling

The secondary discipline of your project is: Education

Expected project results that align with NGS' mission:

Educational/technical resources created

Events held (in-person and virtual)

People formally or informally educated, trained, or mentored

Media/communications/storytelling outputs

Hectares of landscape benefiting from a conservation or sustainability intervention

Policy or management decisions or actions

Peer-reviewed academic publications

Presentations at academic conferences

Paleontological, historical, cultural, archaeological, or geologic sites studied and/or preserved

Successfully field-tested technology product or prototype designs

Project Leader Information

Project Leader Name: Gergely Áron Dzsida

Salutation: Mr.

How did you learn about the specific grant opportunity? NGS website

Please add specifics: I first heard about The NatGeo Explorer Community from a person I highly respect: Fiann Paul (https://www.rowlaughexplore.com/about#bio) About this specific grant I learned by visiting natgeo website many times, exploring its educational content.

Date of birth: May 12, 1997

Current Position or Job Title: Sustainability Activist & Interactive Documentary Producer

Institution/Organization: collaborating with ELTE university, Vision Green nonprofit Kft., Európa Szaharáért Alapítvány, Humusz Szövetség, Fiatalok a Magyar Vidékért Alapítvány, Mély Mosoly Alapítvány, Otthon Európában Egyesület, Új Akropolisz Kulturális Közhasznú Egyesület

⁠

Education Level: Undergraduate academic degree (Bachelor of Science, Budapest Business School, Marketing & Tourism with Sustainability Specialization)

Skills & Experience:

Becoming a National Geographic Explorer and educator would be an honor and a dream coming true. I grew up learning from National Geographic through curiosity, and now I'm ready to create that same inspiration for others. This isn't just an aspiration—it's the natural next step in work I've already begun, combining expedition leadership, documentary storytelling, and hands-on sustainability education.

I bring a unique combination of proven expedition leadership, documentary production expertise, and deep commitment to sustainability education. In 2021, I successfully organized and led a comprehensive research expedition to the Eye of the Sahara in Mauritania, working with interdisciplinary scientists to create 3D documentation of geological structures. This expedition generated valuable footage, scientific data, and established crucial local partnerships.

My technical expertise spans documentary production, interactive platform development (prototype: atlantis-together.com), and sustainability project management. I've co-founded Trace.Market, a blockchain-based supply chain transparency platform selected for the Bevisioneers Fellowship (a network of 1500+ eco-innovators), and developed www.circooler.solutions, an innovative food waste upcycling system. I've also led the construction of sustainable willow-dome structures, demonstrating practical experience in ecological design that can turn backyards into organic hanging gardens or help restore the ecological balance of a whole region’s microclimate.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge rigorous scientific investigation with compelling public engagement. I've conducted interviews with scientists across multiple disciplines including anthropology, geology, archaeology, philology and paleo-climatology, developing innovative interactive documentary formats that teach scientific methodology experientially. My involvement with multiple NGOs and sustainability initiatives demonstrates long-term commitment to educational impact beyond any single project.

I don't just propose this work—I've already invested personal resources and years of preparation. This isn't speculative; it's professionally completing work I've already begun with proven results. Becoming a National Geographic Explorer and educator would be an honor and dream coming true. Growing up inspired by National Geographic's blend of science and storytelling, I'm now ready to create that same curiosity in others. This isn't just an aspiration—it's the natural progression of work I've already begun.

My journey combines expedition leadership, documentary production, and sustainability education. In 2021, I led a research expedition to Mauritania's Eye of the Sahara, collaborating with scientists to create 3D documentation of geological formations. This venture established valuable local partnerships and generated substantial research data.

My expertise spans interactive documentary development (prototype: atlantis-together.vercel.app) and innovative sustainability projects. As co-founder of Trace.Market, a blockchain-based supply chain transparency platform selected for the Bevisioneers Fellowship network of 1500+ eco-innovators, I've demonstrated technical capability alongside ecological vision. Through Circooler.solutions, I've developed food waste upcycling systems, while my willow-dome construction projects showcase practical ecological design that transforms landscapes and microclimates.

What distinguishes my approach is the ability to connect rigorous science with engaging public communication. I've interviewed experts across anthropology, geology, archaeology, philology, and paleoclimatology, developing interactive formats that make scientific methodology accessible and experiential. My collaborations with multiple NGOs reflect ongoing commitment to educational impact.

This proposal builds directly on foundations I've already established with personal resources and years of preparation. With National Geographic's support, I can professionally complete this work, creating interconnected documentary series that bridge our understanding of human history with actionable sustainability solutions—transforming curiosity about our past into tools for building better futures.

Country of primary citizenship: Hungary

Project Leader Connection to Local Context:

My project includes 2 fieldwork locations far away from each other and the route in between them. One is my homecountry - Hungary, and the other is Mauritania - on the west side of the Sahara. My connection to both fieldwork locations is deep and established. In Mauritania, our 2021 expedition created lasting relationships with local partners including Sara, Sidi, Zeida, and Mahmud, who provided essential guidance and cultural context. We worked directly with Mauritanian institutions and NGOs, establishing trust and understanding local needs. This wasn't extractive research—we built genuine partnerships and shared preliminary results with communities.

In Hungary, I've spent years developing sustainable infrastructure projects in some of Europe's most economically challenged regions. I understand the parallels between Mauritania (one of the world's poorest countries) and areas like Nógrád County (one of Europe's poorest regions). This experience working across economic divides gives me unique perspective on creating educational content that serves both local communities and global audiences.

Local Collaborator: Yes

Project Details

Brief Project Summary:

The Eye of the Sahara is one of the most fascinating places on Earth - a mysterious circular volcanic formation in Mauritania that has sparked public fascination and speculation for years. Rather than dismiss this curiosity, we're channeling it into rigorous scientific investigation through two interconnected interactive documentary series.

Series 1, "Looking into Eye of the Sahara," explores this geological formation through multiple scientific lenses: geology, archaeology, anthropology, philology, and paleoclimatology. We ask questions people want answered - Could this be connected to the Atlantis legend? What do modern science and ancient civilizations tell us about environmental change? We show actual evidence and spark constructive debates between experts and let audiences think through the science themselves using interactive debates and 3D models.

Series 2, "Finding Solution Together," demonstrates how lessons from the past inform sustainable futures. Episodes showcase living architecture and food-forests (”Semiramis” willow-dome project), food-waste upcycling (Circooler.Solutions), supply chain transparency (Trace.Market), and other innovations from the Bevisioneers network of 1500+ eco-innovators.

Both series are delivered through an innovative interactive platform that adapts content for different age groups, embeds structured scientific debates, and collects audience feedback to continuously improve educational impact. We're creating a new type of interactive educational content that National Geographic can implement across its educational platforms.

Background:

Alternative history content about the Atlantis legend and mysterious geological formations has exploded across social media and streaming platforms, reflecting genuine human curiosity about our past. However, most lack scientific rigor - sources are unclear, speculation presented as fact, and audiences lack the tools to think critically. Meanwhile, mainstream research remains hardly accessible to general audiences. This gap is urgent: scientific literacy now depends on populations that can distinguish evidence from speculation, yet trust in traditional science communication has eroded.

Our project fills this gap by combining academic rigor with engaging storytelling through interactive documentaries that make scientific thinking visible. Rather than presenting conclusions, audiences encounter structured debates between scientists, explore 3D models, and engage with questionnaires that teach critical thinking experientially. We maintain rigorous standards while remaining genuinely accessible.

We have already paved the foundation: In 2021 we traveled to the Eye of the Sahara with a geophysicist and created 3D documentation of undocumented structures. We've established local connections, conducted interdisciplinary interviews, and donated educational materials to local schools. Since then, we’ve been collecting sustainability solutions through many different, but interconnected projects. We have physically up-cycled 8-900 kg food-loss already since june 2025 (

Circooler.Solutions⁠

), still developing platforms for measuring sustainability with

Trace.Market⁠

and already organized two willow-dome building projects (”Semiramis” project). We're connecting and completing work already underway with proven results and established partnerships.

The interconnection between Series 1 (past) and Series 2 (present/future) is deliberate and powerful. By showing how the sciences studying our past have direct consequences for our present challenges, we create a holistic educational experience that connects historical understanding with actionable solutions. This approach transforms abstract scientific concepts into tangible applications that audiences can understand and implement.

Goals and Objectives:

Goal 1: Produce Two Interconnected Interactive Documentary Series

What will change: Audiences worldwide will have access to rigorous, engaging scientific content that connects past human history with present sustainability solutions, delivered through an innovative interactive platform that adapts to different age groups.

Outputs:

Series 1 (Eye of the Sahara): 10+1 professionally-produced episodes exploring geology, archaeology, anthropology, philology, paleoclimatology, and the Atlantis hypothesis

Series 2 (Solution Together): 10+1 episodes documenting living architecture (Semiramis), food waste upcycling (Circooler.Solutions), supply chain transparency (Trace.Market), and other sustainability innovations

Interactive platform with embedded structured debates, questionnaires, 3D model exploration, and community discussion features

Age-differentiated curriculum materials integrated into education.nationalgeographic.org

Who is impacted: Global audiences (initial target: 500,000+ viewers in first 12 months); educators integrating content into curricula; students in 50+ partner schools providing feedback; general public seeking quality science communication.

Success measures: Documentary series published and publicly available; viewership metrics tracked; platform reaches 500,000+ viewers; 50+ schools provide structured feedback; pre/post-assessment shows knowledge gains in scientific thinking.

Goal 2: Complete Educational Infrastructure and Mobile Learning Platform

What will change: Physical and mobile educational installations demonstrating sustainable design principles, creating ongoing learning opportunities for local and international visitors.

Outputs:

2026 expedition to Eye of the Sahara with expanded scientific team generating new research data

Further online 3D interactive models accessible globally

Completed Semiramis willowdome structure converted into educational spaces

Multifunctional research vehicle and trailer system that transforms into food-upcycling unit or practical classroom

Mobile sustainability demonstration platform showcasing solutions from 1500+ Bevisioneers network

Who is impacted: Local communities in Mauritania and Hungary; international researchers and students; global audiences through 3D models and documentary; schools and universities; National Geographic Explorer community.

Success measures: 2026 expedition completed with new data collected; 3D models launched and accessible; Semiramis willowdome operational as educational site; mobile platform deployed to minimum 20 locations in first year; educational programs delivered to local schools.

Goal 3: Establish Sustainable Model for Ongoing Research and Education

What will change: The project will demonstrate a replicable model for interactive science communication and sustainability education that continues beyond the grant period.

Outputs:

Self-sustaining funding model through donations, mobile platform deployments, and school partnerships

Published research papers from expedition findings

Professional framework documenting interactive documentary methodology

Annual expeditions generating new research and content

Teacher training program certifying educators in interactive science pedagogy

New interactive content framework for education.nationalgeographic.org that collects audience feedback and adapts content accordingly

Who is impacted: Scientific community; educators worldwide; future documentary projects; students and lifelong learners; National Geographic's educational platform users.

Success measures: Post-launch sustainability achieved; at least 2 peer-reviewed publications; 15+ educators trained; mobile platform continuing operations beyond grant funding; project continuing independently 3+ years after initial NGS funding.

Activities or Methods:

Phase 1: Foundation & Planning (Months 1-6)

We begin with documentary production planning using our existing 2021 expedition materials—raw footage, interview recordings, and geological data. We organize this material, conduct additional interviews with our established scientific team, and plan the 2026 expedition with expanded expertise in archaeology, anthropology, and philology. Simultaneously, we complete development of the interactive platform architecture and establish partnerships with 50+ educational institutions for structured feedback.

During this phase, we also begin construction of the multifunctional research vehicle and trailer system that will serve as a mobile platform for sustainability education. This system is designed with modular components that can transform to serve multiple functions:

Mobile food-upcycling unit (Circooler.Solutions)

Practical classroom for hands-on sustainability education

Office space for digital content development

Accommodation and storage during expeditions

Demonstration platform for Bevisioneers network innovations

Phase 2: Content Production (Months 4-15)

Series 1 (Eye of the Sahara): We produce 10+1 episodes in professional quality, each focusing on distinct scientific disciplines examining the Richat Structure. Each episode includes embedded interactive elements: structured debates between scientists, questionnaires prompting critical thinking, 3D models enabling spatial exploration, and expert commentary explaining methodology.

Series 2 (Solution Together): We document sustainable solutions including the Semiramis willowdome project, Circooler.Solutions food waste upcycling, Trace.Market supply chain transparency, and other innovations from the Bevisioneers network. These episodes demonstrate how scientific understanding translates into practical applications for sustainability.

Both series are interconnected, with Series 1 episodes exploring how past human experiences inform present challenges covered in Series 2. The platform adapts content presentation for different age groups, ensuring accessibility while maintaining scientific integrity.

Phase 3: Educational Infrastructure & Fieldwork (Months 6-21)

Semiramis Willowdome Completion: We complete the willowdome structure as a permanent educational installation with interpretive signage explaining construction techniques and ecological function.

Mobile Platform Deployment: We deploy the multifunctional research vehicle and trailer system to multiple locations, demonstrating sustainability solutions and collecting audience feedback.

2026 Expedition: We conduct a second expedition to the Eye of the Sahara, building on 2021 foundations with expanded scientific expertise. This generates new research data, fresh footage, and enhanced Series 1 content.

Phase 4: Integration & Sustainability (Months 18-24)

Full Launch: Documentary series completed and publicly released through National Geographic channels, education.nationalgeographic.org, and the project website.

Educational Platform Integration: We work with National Geographic to integrate our interactive content framework into education.nationalgeographic.org, creating a system that collects audience feedback and continuously improves educational impact.

Sustainability Mechanisms Activated:

Donations through the interactive website

Mobile platform deployments to schools, universities, and events

Educational partnerships providing structured feedback

Ongoing expeditions generating new content and research data

Why This Plan Achieves Our Goals:

Our approach combines digital content with physical infrastructure and mobile deployment, creating multiple touchpoints for audience engagement. The interconnection between Series 1 and Series 2 demonstrates how scientific understanding of our past informs sustainable solutions for our future. By adapting content for different age groups and collecting structured feedback, we ensure maximum educational impact across diverse audiences.

The multifunctional research vehicle and trailer system provides critical infrastructure for all project components—supporting the expedition, documenting sustainable solutions, and delivering hands-on education. This integrated approach maximizes resource efficiency while creating a sustainable operational model that continues beyond the grant period.

Innovation & Best Practices:

Traditional documentaries separate production from audience engagement—viewers consume content passively. Our interactive documentary format embeds scientific methodology into viewing itself. Audiences don't just watch scientists discuss evidence; they participate in scientific thinking through structured debates, questionnaires, and interactive models. This transforms education from passive consumption to active inquiry.

By integrating our content with education.nationalgeographic.org and developing a feedback system that continuously improves educational impact, we create a new model for interactive science communication that National Geographic can implement across its educational platforms.

Risks:

Primary risks include political/security challenges in Mauritania (mitigated through established local partnerships and flexible timing), funding shortfalls (addressed through phased deliverables and multiple funding sources), technical challenges with the interactive platform (managed through extensive user testing and experienced technical partners), and content quality concerns (addressed through rigorous editorial oversight and interdisciplinary scientific review).

Sustained Impact:

This project is explicitly designed for long-term sustainability through three integrated mechanisms:

Digital Platform: The interactive documentary series and educational content continue generating value with minimal ongoing costs. Integration with education.nationalgeographic.org ensures long-term accessibility and impact.

Physical Infrastructure: The Semiramis willowdome serves as a permanent educational installation demonstrating sustainable design principles.

Mobile Platform: The multifunctional research vehicle and trailer system provides ongoing operational capacity for sustainability education, research expeditions, and project implementation. This mobile platform will be available to other National Geographic Explorers, extending impact beyond our specific project.

Revenue streams include donations through the interactive website, mobile platform deployments to schools and events, educational partnerships, and implementation of sustainability projects globally. By establishing these mechanisms during the grant period, we ensure the project continues independently for years afterward.

Outreach and Engagement

Communication, Engagement, and Distribution Plan:

Our multi-channel distribution strategy ensures maximum reach and impact:

Digital Distribution:

Integration with education.nationalgeographic.org, adapting content for different age groups

Dedicated interactive platform with embedded debates, questionnaires, and 3D models

Social media content highlighting key findings and sustainability solutions

Virtual events connecting audiences with scientists and sustainability innovators

Educational Integration:

Partnerships with 50+ schools providing structured feedback on content

Teacher training programs on using interactive documentary for science education

Curriculum materials adapted for different age groups and educational contexts

Student engagement through questionnaires and interactive debates

Physical Engagement:

Mobile platform deployments to schools, universities, and public events

Hands-on workshops demonstrating sustainability solutions

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