We believe strongly that training is an essential component of conservation, and that only by supporting local people to develop the skills and experience to conserve their own local biodiversity will long-term conservation goals be met.
The EDGE Fellows programme provides support to local people who are undertaking high quality practical conservation work in the field, either to research or to implement conservation actions for top-priority EDGE species. Through their projects EDGE Fellows develop coherent conservation recommendations which have a robust scientific basis; project reports which outline necessary conservation actions are made available both to the public and the international conservation community through the EDGE website.
EDGE Fellows are early- to mid-career in-country scientists, students or conservation managers keen to develop the skills needed to become successful conservation professionals. Fellows are provided with the funding and support they need to carry out much-needed research into the status and threats facing a particular EDGE species, or to implement conservation actions for an EDGE species. In this way, local expertise is developed to protect EDGE species.
Under the supervision of scientists at ZSL, in-country universities and partner organisations, EDGE Fellows receive guidance and training throughout their Fellowship. Further training is provided by an annual two-week conservation skills training course held at ZSL’s main offices in London, where Fellows receive formal training in subjects including project planning, field monitoring techniques, data analysis, and developing public awareness of conservation needs. Here they also get the opportunity to discuss their projects with experts from all areas of ZSL, and to share their unique experiences with one another.
The EDGE Fellows Programme is rapidly expanding and we are delighted that many Fellows are currently working in the field to protect EDGE species and their habitats.
Are you interested in becoming an EDGE Fellow? If you are an aspiring conservationists planning or undertaking a conservation project on a Top 100 EDGE Species you may be eligible to apply for an EDGE Fellowship. Please email sally.wren@zsl.org for more details.