On the Edge at the Royal Geographical Society, London
Join us at the RGS on Thursday 14 November for an unmissable evening exploring wild places, threatened species and why we travel.
From the African savannah where giraffe roam to the icy peaks of Everest, our 'On the Edge' event brings together world-renowned explorers and conservationists. Join Dr. Julian Fennessy, Co-Founder of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, and Rebecca Stephens MBE, the first British woman to conquer Everest and the Seven Summits, for an inspiring evening of adventure, discovery, and the urgent need to protect our planet’s wild places. Hosted by award-winning travel journalist and filmmaker Ash Bhardwaj, this is an event not to be missed! Book your tickets now and be part of the journey.
Headline Speakers
- Dr. Julian Fennessy, Co-Founder & Director of Conservation, Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF)
Dr. Julian Fennessy is the Co-Founder, President, and Director of Conservation at the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), the only organisation in the world dedicated exclusively to the conservation and management of giraffes in the wild across Africa. Based in Namibia, GCF operates in 20 African countries, partnering with governments, NGOs, and academic institutions to protect giraffe populations.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Julian earned his PhD from the University of Sydney, where he studied the ecology of desert-dwelling Angolan giraffes in Namibia. With over 25 years of experience in wildlife conservation and sustainable development, Julian's expertise spans wildlife management, environmental consulting, community conservation, and land management. He is recognized as one of the world’s leading giraffe conservation experts.
Julian also founded and previously chaired the IUCN SSC Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group, playing a pivotal role in global giraffe conservation efforts. His work has involved initiating and supporting research and conservation projects across Africa, with a focus on collaboration between local communities, academics, governments, and NGOs.
An accomplished author, Julian has published over 100 scientific and popular articles on giraffe conservation.
Julian lives in Namibia with his wife, Steph, GCF’s Executive Director, and their two children, Luca (18) and Molly (15).
- Rebecca Stephens MBE, First British Woman to Climb Everest and the Seven Summits
Rebecca Stephens MBE is a renowned mountaineer, journalist, and leadership coach, celebrated as the first British woman to summit Mount Everest in 1993. She went on to become the first British woman to conquer the Seven Summits—the highest mountains on each of the seven continents—a feat that has inspired countless others.
Rebecca’s passion for mountain adventures was sparked when she was working as a journalist for the Financial Times, and was assigned to an Everest expedition for FT Weekend. Inspired by the mountain's beauty and challenge, she decided to train and return to climb it herself. Her journey of perseverance and determination has made her a role model for many.
Beyond her achievements in mountaineering, Rebecca is a respected author, presenter and speaker, drawing on her experiences to inspire leadership and personal development. She is also actively involved in environmental causes, promoting the protection of natural landscapes and wildlife.
Rebecca’s life and work have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her contributions to mountaineering and exploration.
Image credit : Rebecca Stephens - rebeccastephens.com
Host
- Ash Bhardwaj, Author, Travel Journalist, and Filmmaker
Ash Bhardwaj is an accomplished filmmaker, travel journalist, and author whose career has taken him to some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations. His adventures include trekking through the Albanian Alps, retracing WWII missions, and travelling along the India-Pakistan border for the award-winning TV series Expedition Borderlands.
Ash’s work has been featured in The Telegraph, The Times, and the BBC’s From Our Own Correspondent, and he co-hosts the popular travel podcast The First Mile. His debut book, Why We Travel: A Journey into Human Motivation, was published this year.
