Country/Region: Latin America and Asia
Partner: Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
The EDGE of Existence Programme, led by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), is a global initiative dedicated to conserving EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) species—unique animals with few or no close relatives. Their extinction would mean losing entire branches of the tree of life. Despite their ecological importance, EDGE species often go overlooked in conservation, which tends to focus on more charismatic animals like large mammals and birds. Most EDGE species are found in low- and middle-income countries, which often lack the resources for effective conservation.
To address this gap, the EDGE Programme offers two-year fellowships to early-career conservationists from biodiversity-rich regions in Latin America and Asia. Through training, mentorship, and grants, fellows receive the support needed to lead impactful conservation projects in their home countries, collaborating with local communities and governments. This approach builds local conservation capacity and fosters a global network of dedicated leaders working to protect EDGE species.
Fondation Segré has supported the EDGE Programme since 2017 and renewed its commitment in 2024 for another two years. The current project specifically aims to launch conservation initiatives for at least 16 EDGE species across Latin America and Asia over the next two years. Sixteen emerging leaders from these regions will receive targeted support to become species advocates and potential Segré grant recipients.
In 2023, the EDGE Programme received the BBVA Worldwide Award for Biodiversity Conservation, recognizing its contributions to preserving irreplaceable biodiversity. By empowering local conservationists, the EDGE Programme aims to ensure a future for these unique species amid the ongoing global biodiversity crisis.