LEWIS PUGH RECOGNISED AS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 33 HONOUREE

Lewis Pugh recognised as National Geographic 33 Honouree. Endurance swimmer and ocean advocate named among 33 extraordinary changemakers working to build a better future for our planet.

The Lewis Pugh Foundation is proud to announce that its founder, endurance swimmer and UNEP Patron of the Oceans Lewis Pugh, has been honoured in the inaugural National Geographic 33, a distinguished list released today recognising 33 global changemakers who are leading the way in protecting our planet and its future.

National Geographic’s selection of Pugh highlights his unwavering commitment to ocean conservation, from being the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean of the world, to his diplomatic efforts advocating for the protection of fragile marine environments. Through his swims in some of the most challenging waters on Earth—including the Arctic, Antarctic, and across endangered coral reefs — Pugh has consistently demonstrated the urgent need to safeguard our oceans. His advocacy has contributed to the establishment of some of the world’s largest Marine Protected Areas.

In the summer of 2023, Pugh swam the entire, 315-mile length of New York’s Hudson River to help educate the public about the importance of rivers to overall ocean and climate health. The Lewis Pugh Foundation will announce a major summer 2025 U.S. swim in the coming weeks.

“National Geographic has brought the world’s natural wonders to its readers and viewers for nearly a century and a half. In the process, it captured and documented the wanton disruption of precious ecosystems and the eradication of countless species. I’m very grateful to National Geographic for this honour. I’m especially grateful for its continued commitment to educating people about the accelerating challenges facing our planet.”

The National Geographic 33 honours individuals across a wide range of fields, from climate activism and scientific research to filmmaking, sport, sustainable entrepreneurship, and environmental advocacy. Fellow honourees include Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard; Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh; the first Chief Heat Officer of Freetown, Sierra Leone, Eugenia Kargbo; and actor and ocean advocate Jason Momoa, among others.

This recognition from National Geographic is a testament to Pugh’s ability to combine extreme endurance swimming with impactful environmental diplomacy and ocean protection. His work has helped shape international conservation policies and inspired global efforts to preserve marine biodiversity.

The Lewis Pugh Foundation remains committed to working towards a world where at least 30% of our oceans are fully protected by 2030.

The full National Geographic 33 list is now available at NatGeo.com/NG33 and in the April issue of National Geographic magazine.

About the Lewis Pugh Foundation

The Lewis Pugh Foundation works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and high-impact conservation efforts. Founded by endurance swimmer and UNEP Patron of the Oceans Lewis Pugh, the foundation has played a key role in securing some of the largest marine protected areas on the planet. By combining pioneering swims with diplomacy and storytelling, the foundation brings environmental issues to the public and mobilises support, which drives policy change to ensure a sustainable future for us all.

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