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Elizabeth Unger - American, North America

2018 Winner | | American

With wild tiger populations nearly wiped out, traffickers are now slaughtering jaguars to falsely sell their parts as tiger on the Asian market – and the world has no idea. My documentary, MADIDI, will follow three individuals who are investigating this new jaguar trade sweeping South America, uncovering the powerful forces responsible for it all. After MADIDI reveals this little-known issue to the public, the film’s impact campaign will bring NGOs, journalists, celebrities, and government officials together to fight against jaguar trafficking before this iconic animal is gone forever.

I am a National Geographic Explorer and filmmaker who has been featured in National Geographic Magazine. A passion for wildlife, cuisine, and exotic landscapes has led me across seven continents, steeping me in rich anthropological experiences that have shaped me into the storyteller I am today. After acquiring a B.S. in Biology from UNC Wilmington, I spent months in the field as a PhD research assistant working with big cats and primates in Central America. My photojournalism and videography work has been showcased on a number of Nat Geo platforms.

Disclaimer: NOTE: This content was shared online for the 2019 cycle of the Young Champions of the Earth programme and has not been updated. This listing does not constitute any endorsement by nor status with the UN Environment Programme.

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