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Educational/technical resources createdEvents held (in-person and virtual)People formally or informally educated, trained, or mentoredMedia/communications/storytelling outputsHectares of landscape benefiting from a conservation or sustainability interventionPolicy or management decisions or actionsPeer-reviewed academic publicationsPresentations at academic conferencesPaleontological, historical, cultural, archaeological, or geologic sites studied and/or preservedSuccessfully field-tested technology product or prototype designs
Mobile food-upcycling unit (Circooler.Solutions)Practical classroom for hands-on sustainability educationOffice space for digital content developmentAccommodation and storage during expeditionsDemonstration platform for Bevisioneers network innovationsDonations through the interactive websiteMobile platform deployments to schools, universities, and eventsEducational partnerships providing structured feedbackOngoing expeditions generating new content and research dataDigital 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.
Digital Distribution:Integration with education.nationalgeographic.org, adapting content for different age groupsDedicated interactive platform with embedded debates, questionnaires, and 3D modelsSocial media content highlighting key findings and sustainability solutionsVirtual events connecting audiences with scientists and sustainability innovatorsEducational Integration:Partnerships with 50+ schools providing structured feedback on contentTeacher training programs on using interactive documentary for science educationCurriculum materials adapted for different age groups and educational contextsStudent engagement through questionnaires and interactive debatesPhysical Engagement:Mobile platform deployments to schools, universities, and public eventsHands-on workshops demonstrating sustainability solutionsPublic access to Semiramis willowdome educational installationAnnual expeditions with participant opportunitiesScientific Communication:Peer-reviewed publications from expedition findingsConference presentations on both scientific findings and educational methodologyCollaboration with academic institutions on research and educationCoordination through established partnerships from our 2021 expeditionCommunity advisory boards informed of all major decisionsLocal team members hired for expedition and documentary rolesCommunity consultation before filmingPreliminary results shared before public releaseRevenue from expeditions partially supporting local education initiatives50+ school partnerships providing structured feedback on contentTeacher training programs on interactive science educationCurriculum materials adapted for different age groupsStudent engagement through questionnaires and interactive debatesIntegration with education.nationalgeographic.orgInterdisciplinary team of scientists collaborating on researchPeer-reviewed publications from expedition findingsConference presentations on findings and methodologyOpen data sharing through 3D models and interactive platformDocumentation of innovative solutions from Bevisioneers networkPractical demonstrations through mobile platformImplementation support for sustainability projectsKnowledge sharing through interactive platformAccessible content adapted for different knowledge levelsInteractive engagement through debates and questionnairesHands-on experiences through mobile platformParticipation opportunities through expeditions and eventsServing as a subject matter expert in interactive science communication and sustainability educationMaking our multifunctional research vehicle and trailer system available to other ExplorersParticipating in professional development events and training programsCollaborating on Explorer-led team-based projectsActing as a global ambassador for National Geographic's missionMentoring emerging explorers in expedition planning and documentary productionSharing our interactive content framework for adaptation to other Explorer projects
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:
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 (), still developing platforms for measuring sustainability with 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: Complete Scientific Expedition to the Eye of the Sahara
What will change: The 2026 expedition will generate new data, visuals, and strengthen local partnerships, laying the groundwork for rigorous analysis of the Richat Structure. This builds on our 2021 research, engaging experts to investigate geology, archaeology, and anthropology.
Outputs: 3D documentation, geological samples, archaeological survey, local interviews, documentary footage, monitoring stations, institutional partnerships.
Who is impacted: Scientific community, local Mauritanians, global audiences, educators, National Geographic Explorers.
Success: Expedition completed safely (Nov 11-Dec 11, 2026); 80%+ 3D coverage; 15+ local interviews; 3+ monitoring stations; 20+ hours footage; data sharing with 3+ institutions; findings presented within 6 months.
Goal 2: Implement Sustainability Projects and Infrastructure
What will change: We'll develop physical projects demonstrating practical applications of science, creating tangible examples of how the past informs sustainable futures, while providing ongoing educational opportunities.
Outputs: Semiramis willowdome, Circooler.Solutions, Trace.Market, Karmachines vehicle, 50+ school workshops, implementation documentation.
Who is impacted: Local communities, students, educators, sustainability practitioners, public.
Success: Willowdome by Sept 2025; Circooler.Solutions 500+ kg/month by Dec 2025; Trace.Market 100+ products by Mar 2026; Karmachines to 20+ sites by June 2026; 2500+ students, 50+ educators trained; 75% report increased sustainability understanding.
Goal 3: Interactive Documentary Platform and Film Series
What will change: We'll create an interactive platform transforming passive viewing into active inquiry. This digital ecosystem will host two interconnected series making complex concepts accessible.
Outputs: Series 1 (Eye of Sahara) and 2 (Solutions) with 10+1 episodes each; interactive features like debates, 3D models, adaptive pathways, critical thinking.
Who is impacted: Global audiences, educators, students, scientists, National Geographic's platform.
Success: Platform launched Jan 2027; both series by Feb 2027; 500,000+ users year 1; 50+ institutions; 30%+ improvement in understanding; 75% report increased ability to evaluate claims; sustained impact 3+ years.
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:
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:
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:
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:
Our past experience demonstrates strong audience engagement capabilities. In 2021, we successfully secured private investments for the initial expedition, involved established scientists, and published 3D models that generated significant public interest. We've developed multiple sustainability projects that required effective stakeholder communication and public engagement.
Engagement Plan:
Our engagement strategy involves multiple stakeholder groups:
Local Communities (Mauritania and Hungary):
Educational Community:
Scientific Community:
Sustainability Practitioners:
General Public:
Explorer Network:
The Explorer community would significantly amplify our work's impact through interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship opportunities, and global networking. We would actively contribute by:
The Explorer network's expertise in diverse fields would enhance the project's scientific rigor and global reach, while our experience in innovative educational formats could contribute to the community's evolving approaches to public engagement.
Project Members
Role: Director of Photography and Production Manager
Kristof is the owner and head of content at Nova Produkcios Iroda Kft., an award-winning cinematographer whose short film "Dilemma" won multiple international festivals. He runs a production company with a team of 7, creating content for major brands like BMW, Telekom, and Hungarian National Bank. His expertise ensures professional-quality documentary production comparable to National Geographic standards.
Current Institution: Nova Produkcios Iroda Kft.
Highest Degree Awarded: Professional cinematography certification
Country of Primary Residency: Hungary
Role: Cultural Liaison and Mauritanian Relations Coordinator
Slimane is the founder of "Európa Szaharáért Alapítvány" (Europe for Sahara Foundation), a Mauritanian who studied at ELTE University in Budapest and established a foundation to help his home country from Europe. With deep connections in both Hungary and Mauritania, he provides invaluable cultural context, translation services, and local coordination. His foundation's work bridges European resources with Mauritanian needs, creating sustainable partnerships that benefit both regions.
Current Institution: Európa Szaharáért Alapítvány
Highest Degree Awarded: Engineering degree
Country of Primary Residency: Hungary/Mauritania
Role: Expedition Logistics Coordinator and Local Guide
Sidi was instrumental in our 2021 expedition, driving our Toyota Hilux truck and ensuring safe passage throughout Mauritania. As founder of Trarza Tour (established 2003), he brings over 20 years of experience guiding international expeditions through Mauritania. His company is officially registered in the Mauritanian Trade Register and represents several international rallies and raids. His expertise in route planning, local coordination, and safety protocols is essential for our 2026 expedition.
Current Institution: Trarza Tour - Mauritania
Highest Degree Awarded: Tourism and Expedition Management certification
Country of Primary Residency: Mauritania
Role: Community Engagement Specialist
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