Eight short films by National Geographic exploring efforts to preserve and protect the environment.

Vanessa Serrao (Executive Producer, Impact Media Division, National Geographic Society) talks with Sarah Joseph (Sr. Producer/Director, Last Wild Places shorts) and Chris Dye (Sr. Producer, additional films). Vanessa Serrao is the Executive Producer of National Geographic Impact Media division, where she and her team create content that advances the mission of the organization. An award-winning filmmaker, producer and media strategist, Vanessa specializes in telling stories about science, culture, and the intersection of the two. Her work has helped to raise millions of dollars for wildlife conservation, influenced communities to stop poaching, and made complex scientific concepts accessible to a worldwide audience. Vanessa began her career producing on-air and online content for the Discovery Networks, where her work won a Webby and was nominated for an Emmy. Since then, she has produced media for numerous networks and non-profit organizations. Her work has screened at festivals and been featured publications like the New York Times. Vanessa has her B.S. in Entomology with a concentration in Wildlife Conservation, and her MFA in Science and Natural History Filmmaking. Dr. Sarah Joseph has traveled the world making films on subjects ranging from 3D-scanning a Sumatran rhino to uncovering mummies in Peru. As a senior producer for the National Geographic Society’s storytelling team, Sarah helps create films that highlight the work of National Geographic grantees around the world. She is passionate about fostering diverse perspectives in media and empowering the next generation of storytellers through presentations and workshops. Chris Dye is a senior producer on National Geographic Society’s Impact Media team, where he leads video production for various digital series and projects related to the organization’s initiatives. Prior to joining the team, Chris was producing and writing for documentary television series and specials that have aired on the National Geographic Channels, the Smithsonian Channel, Animal Planet and PBS.

Impact Media Filmmaker Discussion

Vanessa Serrao, Sarah Joseph, and Chris Dye give some background on their films

For 15 years, Mozambique was engulfed in a brutal civil war that devastated human and wildlife populations alike. Now, in part by focusing on empowering and educating women, Gorongosa National Park has become a model of successful conservation efforts.

Last Wild Places: Gorongosa

By focusing on empowering and educating women, Gorongosa National Park has become a model of successful conservation efforts.

When Tizola Moyo started as a ranger in 1993, Majete Wildlife Reserve was devoid of any wildlife. Now, with the help of the park’s rangers and community collaboration, it’s flourishing.

Last Wild Places: Majete

When Tizola Moyo started as a ranger in 1993, Majete Wildlife Reserve was devoid of any wildlife. Now, with the help of the park’s rangers and community collaboration, it’s flourishing.

The American Prairie Reserve is assembling land in northern Montana, with the goal of creating a seamless 3.5 million acre grassland habitat. When they reintroduce bison to the landscape, both the ecosystem and local people benefit.

Last Wild Places: American Prairie Reserve

The American Prairie Reserve is assembling land in northern Montana, with the goal of creating a seamless 3.5 million acre grassland habitat.

Iberá National Park in northeastern Argentina is part of one of the largest wetlands in South America, but much of its wildlife went extinct in the 20th century due to widespread hunting and habitat loss. Now, a dedicated team of conservationists is working hand in hand with local communities to reintroduce many of the keystone species that were lost, while also helping to preserve the region's unique cultural heritage.

Last Wild Places: Iberá

Iberá National Park in northeastern Argentina is part of one of the largest wetlands in South America, but much of its wildlife went extinct in the 20th century due to widespread hunting and habitat loss.

The Javan rhino is the rarest rhino in the world, and it takes a dedicated and coordinated effort to ensure the survival of this elusive and majestic species. But the task is much more than a day job. Rangers and local community members spend weeks at a time in the forest, patrolling, monitoring, and protecting the rhinos’ remaining habitat in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia.

Saving the Javan Rhino of Ujung Kulon

The Javan rhino is the rarest rhino in the world, and it takes a dedicated and coordinated effort to ensure the survival of this elusive and majestic species. But the task is much more than a day job.

The golden lion tamarin becomes a beacon of hope for the Atlantic Forest habitat in Brazil, as conservationists continue a more than 30-year effort to save the species by connecting its fragmented habitat with a wildlife bridge. This ambitious reforestation project promises to benefit wildlife in the region and the local communities that are joining the effort.

The Golden Lion Tamarins of Poco Das Antas

The golden lion tamarin becomes a beacon of hope for the Atlantic Forest habitat in Brazil, as conservationists continue a more than 30-year effort to save the species by connecting its fragmented habitat with a wildlife bridge.

The páramo ecosystem in Colombia’s Chingaza National Park makes life in Bogotá possible. Government and non-government organizations are coordinating efforts to test water sources, monitor plants and animals, manage ecotourism, and educate the public about the páramo and its vital connection to Bogotá.

Preserving the Páramo of Chingaza

The páramo ecosystem in Colombia’s Chingaza National Park makes life in Bogotá possible

The Mauritius kestrel and the echo parakeet were two of the rarest birds in the world, but after decades of conservation efforts, they’re now making a comeback: just a few surviving individuals have turned into hundreds. And while these birds are only found in Black River Gorges National Park in Mauritius, the dedicated efforts to bring them back from the brink is a hopeful example for the world, showing us that it’s never too late to act.

Protecting the Birds of Black River Gorges

The Mauritius kestrel and the echo parakeet were two of the rarest birds in the world, but after decades of conservation efforts, they’re now making a comeback.

National Geographic Society Impact Media

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