edward wilson president & ceo - earthwatch institute

Keynote Presentation Topic

"A New Global Citizenship"

There is probably not a brochure today that does not speak to the benefits and importance of traveling to new locations, cultural immersion and environmental stewardship. But is that really enough? The marketplace is slowly turning green. With it comes a new set of expectations, opportunities and deliverables that will see the adventure travel industry challenged to perform at a whole new level in order to regain a leadership role in creating the global citizens needed for the next decade.

Biography

Edward Wilson is the President and CEO of Earthwatch Institute and brings over 15 years international management experience in the non-profit sector as well as hands-on experience in conservation and research expeditions. As Earthwatch's former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Wilson served as interim CEO after the retirement of Roger Bergen in 2005. Mr. Wilson is a graduate of Kings College London, where he majored in geography, specializing in African Studies and Third World Development. After serving as an officer in the British Army, he began his career with Earthwatch in 1993. In 1998 he moved to the USA office as Vice President of Marketing and Communications. A Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, and a participant on several Earthwatch research expeditions, most recently to Central Asia and Inner Mongolia, Mr. Wilson has lived in Pakistan, Hong Kong, and has traveled extensively in Africa. Mr. Wilson also worked for nature reserves and eco-tourism operations in Southern and East Africa, including The Wilderness Foundation and Conservation Direct. Mr. Wilson was a former UK Trustee of Rhino Ark, partnering with Kenya Wildlife Service to protect Aberdare National Park.  More information available at www.earthwatch.org.