National Geographic Code Of Ethics

[Vivien]

Scientistshave studied the San people of Southern Africa for decades, intrigued by their age-old rituals and ancient genetic fingerprints. Now, after more than a century of being scrutinized by science, the San are demanding something back. The group has unveiled a code of ethics for researchers wishing to study their culture or genetic heritage. (Science)

Undoubtedly, one of the best parts of the National Geographic Society is our community. You play a key role in building a world-class organization driven by purpose, passion, and excellence. Thank you for your commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct at the Society, and for everything you do to support our mission!

We are deeply committed to performing our mission in a manner that earns the respect of everyone we interact with including: charitable donors, business associates, third party representatives, Society members, our staff, explorers, fellows, grantees and the general public. We believe that the consistent application of our standard of ethical conduct is the best way to do it.

The Society is proud of its professional and congenial work environment, and will take necessary steps to ensure that the environment is a productive one that complies with all applicable laws. The Society prohibits discrimination against and harassment of any employee, applicant, contractor, or other third party. All individuals working for or on behalf of the Society must treat each other with respect and avoid discriminatory, offensive, or demeaning behavior.

Discrimination and harassment may subject both the Society and the person responsible to liability. NGS has zero tolerance for policy violations confirmed as a result of an internal investigation, and will take action appropriate under the circumstances to address such violations, up to and including termination of employment or business relationship (for third parties). The zero tolerance policy applies to both illegal harassment and discrimination as well as behavior that, while not illegal, conflicts with a productive, professional work environment.

A conflict of interest arises when you, a family member or close friend have a business, financial or personal interest in the other side of a transaction or business dealings with National Geographic Society. You must always act in the best interest of National Geographic Society. This includes being sensitive to situations where it might appear your responsibility to the Society is compromised.

Here are some examples of conflicts of interest. They are illustrative, not exhaustive, and are intended to enhance your ability to spot potential conflicts, and ask questions so they may be resolved appropriately:

Staff members may not receive any gift worth more than $100 from any person or organization doing business with National Geographic Society. Staff members involved in purchasing decisions must take extra care to avoid any gifts that might affect, or appear to affect, their decision-making responsibilities on behalf of National Geographic Society.

Every country we work in has laws against corruption and bribery. We take compliance with these laws seriously. As a U.S.-based organization, National Geographic Society focuses particular attention on the anti-bribery standards of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the FCPA).

We may not offer, promise, pay, give or approve any bribe, kickback or other inducement in the form of cash or anything else of value (such as gifts, travel, entertainment, charitable contributions) to any person or organization, with the intent to exert improper influence over the recipient, induce the recipient to violate their duty of loyalty, secure an improper advantage for National Geographic Society, or improperly reward the recipient for past conduct. Normally we allow any third-party representative (such as a customs clearance brokers, independent contractors, consultants, business partners, or anyone else) to do so on our behalf.

To ensure that our financial statements properly reflect our assets, liabilities and transactions the financial records each staff member submits must be complete, accurate and understandable. This includes the information each of us provides in payroll documents, time cards, travel and expense reports, purchasing, and every other National Geographic Society financial record. The key principles you must follow in your business dealings, expenditures and record keeping include:

All contracts with third parties (such as independent contractors, consultants, vendors, suppliers, business partners and others) must be approved by L&BA in advance of National Geographic Society doing business with the third party, and a contract must be in place before work begins. No contractual agreement will be considered valid and enforceable by the National Geographic Society in the absence approval.

Respect for intellectual property, including copyrights and trademarks owned by National Geographic Society and others, is critically important to us. Each of us is responsible for ensuring that these rights are upheld. You must contact L&BA in order to obtain a license, or other appropriate clearance, prior to using any intellectual property in your work on behalf of the Society.

We comply with all U.S. government trade sanctions. These sanctions may prohibit or restrict travel to certain countries, business activities (such as grants, contracts, collaborations) involving certain countries, nationals, entities or individuals and items (such as laptops, smart phones, technical equipment) that may be exported to certain countries.

The Communications Team is exclusively responsible for handling all media inquiries concerning the Society as well as overseeing the creation and use of National Geographic Society sponsored social media.

We recognize that there are situations in which making the right decision can be challenging. By raising concerns, sooner rather than later, you give National Geographic Society the opportunity to resolve issues that might otherwise be damaging to our mission and reputation.

As an additional avenue for reporting actual and potential violations, National Geographic Society offers an external Helpline available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Helpline is operated by an independent third party who specializes in these services. You may submit an email, web-based or automated phone report, and you have the option of speaking to a trained customer service representative who will listen to your concern. You may contact the external helpline at (888) 647-0647 (888-NGS-0-NGS), or Ethi...@getintouch.com, or www.intouchwebsite.com/NGS.

Reports to the helpline can be made anonymously, but we strongly encourage you to identify yourself. This helps ensure your concern is thoroughly considered and appropriately addressed. You can arrange to receive and respond to follow up communications through the helpline even if you choose to be anonymous. We ask that you make these arrangements in order for us to communicate with you about the issue. Reports are referred to the Ethics Officer for appropriate handling.

All reported violations of law, our Code of Ethics or policies will be investigated promptly, objectively and thoroughly. National Geographic Society treats these as confidential internal matters. Information about them is shared only to the extent necessary to investigate and take any corrective action National Geographic Society deems appropriate for resolving the matter consistent with our standards and law.

Similarly, third party representatives, and others acting on our behalf, are subject to having their business relationship with National Geographic Society terminated, and potentially other penalties, for violations.

Retaliation against any staff member who reports misconduct is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Staff members are expected to seek advice, raise concerns, report potential misconduct in good faith and cooperate with the investigative process. This is critical because silence hurts us when it comes to ethics and compliance.

The National Wildlife Federation is the leading voice for wildlife and wild places in the United States. Our federation offers corporate partnership opportunities to engage employees, develop successful corporate social responsibility initiatives, and support meaningful conservation programs that help ensure wildlife thrives in a rapidly changing world.

The National Wildlife Federation has seven million members and supporters across America, and engages millions more through its education, community outreach, consumer marketing and advocacy campaigns. Together with its affiliates, the National Wildlife Federation is active in all 50 states, making the National Wildlife Federation one of the most prolific grassroots conservation organizations in the country. We are a national organization with local impact, making geographic alignment with your business and preferred markets our shared goal. We work together with our partners to reach mutually beneficial objectives. Each partnership is unique and we work to provide comprehensive opportunities that enhance your brand, engage employees, and directly impact communities where your stakeholders live and work.

We engage employees from both large and small businesses through meaningful volunteerism initiatives designed to help protect, restore, and transform wildlife conservation. Opportunities include onsite volunteer activities and participation in unique fundraising initiatives.

Our officially licensed products serve as a very visible channel for helping consumers better understand the natural world and inspiring the public to support our mission. Learn more about our licensing opportunities.

From cause marketing and employee engagement to corporate support of key initiatives, we believe that lasting conservation will be achieved through collaboration with a range of extraordinary partners. We welcome the opportunity to explore how we can work together.

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