Edwin Bernbaum

Edwin Bernbaum is a prominent figure in leadership and environmental education, serving as President and Co-Founder of Vital Arts since October 2017, while concurrently working as Principal at Peak Paradigms: Leadership & Teamwork since 2010, delivering keynote presentations and workshops that draw on mountainous themes to enhance leadership skills and teamwork. As a Senior Fellow and Director of the Sacred Mountains Program at The Mountain Institute since May 1999, Bernbaum has developed educational materials connecting mountain environments to diverse cultural significances. Additionally, Bernbaum co-chairs the IUCN Specialist Group on Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas, focusing on integrating cultural aspects into environmental management. A seasoned lecturer since 1981, Bernbaum has engaged with prestigious institutions and authored significant works on mountains and culture, including "Sacred Mountains of the World." With extensive experience in expedition leadership and a robust academic background, including a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, Bernbaum's contributions span various domains of leadership, culture, and environmental conservation.