The diversity of life on earth is what makes our world wondrous, awe-inspiring, breath-taking, and habitable for humanity. Yet our planet is facing an extraordinary crisis, threatening life and its support systems. Interest and support for the conservation of biodiversity has grown dramatically in recent years, but still focuses almost exclusively on a few charismatic species and little-changed conservation messaging.

Uniquely in the sector, On the EDGE Conservation is positioned to champion biodiversity and change the narrative for nature, catalysing worldwide positive action for conservation. This strategic plan sets out our goals, operations and activities for the next 3-5 years. 

our vision

A world in which wildlife and humanity can co-exist in a balanced and sustainable way, and in which nature is universally and instinctively valued for its unparalleled contribution to our planet and our way of life.

our mission

On the EDGE Conservation acts to change the outlook for often-overlooked Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. Through long-term partnerships, providing support for innovative conservation action, science, and story-telling, we strive for game-changing impact around the world. Our approach is designed to inspire positive engagement in both adults and the next generation.

BETH BLOOD, FOUNDER & trustee

Beth Blood is a committed environmentalist and animal advocate, and an ardent champion for conserving and co-existing with wildlife, as well as for integrating sustainability into the global cultural landscape.

Beth holds a BA in Economics from La Trobe University in Melbourne. She moved to the UK in 2011, where she obtained a Masters degree in International Strategy and Diplomacy from the London School of Economics. In addition to her leadership role at On the Edge Conservation and Productions, she is an Honorary Conservation Fellow of the Zoological Society of London and a Trustee of the UK Human Rights Watch Charitable Trust.

DR NISHA OWEN, director of conservation

Dr. Nisha Owen is leading the development and implementation of the themes of conservation, science and storytelling at On the EDGE Conservation.

Previously, Nisha worked at ZSL, developing the EDGE of Existence programme into its current incarnation as a ZSL flagship, as well as developing innovative online capacity building initiatives with United for Wildlife and National Geographic Society. Her global and diverse conservation career has included surveys of cryptic EDGE species such as the pygmy sloth in Panama and Sooglossid frogs in the Seychelles; training conservationists in field stations from Costa Rica to the Philippines; the mitigation of conflicts with elephants and tigers in the Western Ghats of India for her PhD; researching endemic flora and fauna in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania; counting jaguars, peccaries and other large mammals in the Amazon for her MSc; and reintroducing swift fox to the North American prairies.

Nisha also serves as a Trustee of the London Learning Foundation.

clare scobie, finance director

A graduate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, Clare has been Financial Controller at Smythson of Bond Street, Regional Head of Finance (EMEA) at Jimmy Choo and Finance Director at Liberty Ltd prior to joining On the EDGE Conservation.

david blood, trustee

David is Co-Founder and Senior Partner of Generation Investment Management. Previously, David spent 18 years at Goldman Sachs including serving as co-CEO and CEO of Goldman Sachs Asset Management from 1999-2003.

David received a BA from Hamilton College, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

David serves as a Board Director for Dialight, New Forests, Motivate International, On the Edge Productions, SHINE, the World Resources Institute, Social Finance UK, and is a life trustee of Hamilton College.

jonathan baillie, trustee

Jonathan Baillie is the Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist of the National Geographic Society.

Prior to joining NGS, Jonathan spent 20 years at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), where he latterly served as Conservation Programmes Director, overseeing conservation projects focused on threatened species and their habitats in over 50 countries.

Jonathan led the ZLS team that founded the EDGE of Existence program, which focuses on EDGE species and supports young scientists around the world working to protect animals facing extinction. While at ZSL, he also founded the Conservation Technology Unit and the Business and Biodiversity Programme.

alexander marshall, trustee

Alex is General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Generation Investment Management. Previously, Alex was Head of Legal for the Investment Management Division of Goldman Sachs outside the Americas, and a Senior Counsel at Clifford Chance.

Alex received an LLB and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Edinburgh, and a Masters in Corporate and Commercial Law from the London School of Economics. Alex is admitted as a Solicitor by the Law Society of Scotland.