Four Women Kayakers Prepare for “Nobody’s River” Source-to-Sea Expedition
“The Amur River is a vivid reminder of the rich biodiversity an untamed river can support. We are excited to support this brave team of Young Explorers grantees in exploring this important ecosystem, in true National Geographic fashion.”
—Rebecca Martin, Executive Director of National Geographic’s Expeditions Council
In May, four women will embark on a source-to-sea descent of the Amur River—the world’s third longest free-flowing river. Traveling 4,400 kilometers through Mongolia and Russia, the team plans to capture their journey through still and motion images to tell the story of this widely unknown watershed. The expedition is called Nobody’s River and will launch in mid-May.
“Ultimately this project is about savoring something fleeting and beautiful, and doing our part to love this great big planet we all live on together. If we bring home just a little of the magic we find, we will feel successful beyond our wildest dreams,” says expedition leader Amber Valenti.
Over three months, the team will document the challenges, highlights, and, of course, the adventure of this incredible journey—as well as the threats that face the Amur River.
After the team returns this summer, award-winning director and cinematographer Skip Armstrong will join forces to lend his skills to edit the footage into a short film perfectly poised for international adventure and environmental film festivals in 2014.
“We are blown away by the support of our sponsors and friends who have backed us from the very beginning. Because of them this project has become a reality and we’re incredibly grateful for that,” Valenti said.
To learn more and support Nobody’s River, please visit the Nobody’s River website or fundraising site.
Go Further
Animals
- Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them?
- Animals
- Feature
Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them? - This biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the AndesThis biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the Andes
- An octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret worldAn octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret world
- Peace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thoughtPeace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thought
Environment
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
- Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security, Video Story
- Paid Content
Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security - Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet?Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet?
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
History & Culture
- Strange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political dramaStrange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political drama
- How technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrollsHow technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrolls
- Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?
- See how ancient Indigenous artists left their markSee how ancient Indigenous artists left their mark
Science
- Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.
- Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of yearsJupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of years
- This 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its timeThis 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its time
- Every 80 years, this star appears in the sky—and it’s almost timeEvery 80 years, this star appears in the sky—and it’s almost time
- How do you create your own ‘Blue Zone’? Here are 6 tipsHow do you create your own ‘Blue Zone’? Here are 6 tips
Travel
- This town is the Alps' first European Capital of CultureThis town is the Alps' first European Capital of Culture
- This royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala LumpurThis royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala Lumpur
- This author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomadsThis author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomads
- Slow-roasted meats and fluffy dumplings in the Czech capitalSlow-roasted meats and fluffy dumplings in the Czech capital