National Geographic Maps, in collaboration with National Geographic Adventure magazine, has introduced the first annual Outdoor Geographic Awareness (TOGA) Awards to identify and showcase outdoor retailers, manufacturers, nonprofit and government organizations and individuals who are finding new and creative ways to promote geographic awareness and build outdoor participation.


The TOGA Awards reflect National Geographic’s mission to inspire people to care about the planet and to encourage people of all ages to explore their world.

 

TOGA Awards will be evaluated and awarded based upon the applicant’s overall contribution to increasing geographic awareness during the previous calendar year. Awards will be considered in four categories: outdoor retailer, industry manufacturer, nonprofit/government and individual.

 

Evaluating factors include the overall reach, effectiveness and creativity of a campaign, event or activity; the benefit to the outdoor industry; and how easily replicated a campaign may be so that others can build upon it to increase its influence. Examples of geographic awareness programs include training in mapping, geography and and navigation, or educational events, programs and materials related to a particular geographic location or to the environment and stewardship of specific lands.

“As the outdoor industry continues to focus on conservation and the environment, we are pleased to introduce the TOGA Awards to recognize those who are focusing on the importance of geography, thus increasing the level of understanding and caring for the world around us,” said Fran Marshall, president, National Geographic Maps.


“The TOGA Awards will celebrate activities that inspire people to value natural places and the people around them,” said Francis X. Farrell, publisher, National Geographic Adventure. “TOGA will salute activities that get people to care about places by preparing them to have great fun there.”


Applications and nominations will be accepted online at www.natgeomaps.com/toga through Friday, June 27, 2008. Finalists will be selected by a board of industry professionals and National Geographic staff. The awards will be presented on Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, at 4 p.m. at Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City, in the National Geographic Maps booth.