Stephen Edwards

Stephen Edwards is an accomplished professional in biodiversity and conservation with extensive experience in various leadership roles. Currently serving as Global Director of Biodiversity at South Pole since September 2023, Stephen previously held the position of Senior Program Manager at IUCN from May 2013 to September 2023, where responsibilities included leading engagement with the extractives sector and developing business-relevant policy frameworks for biodiversity. As a member of the Executive Committee for the Business and Biodiversity Offsets Programme, Stephen contributed to strategic decision-making processes. Earlier roles at Conservation International involved overseeing ecotourism projects and developing corporate engagement metrics. Stephen's career began with a focus on natural resource management, including a role as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uruguay. Academic credentials include a BA in Economics and Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MS in Natural Resources from the University of Idaho.