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We are thrilled to announce that Steven Broad is stepping into the role of Chair of the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Challenge Fund Advisory Group.

The IWT Challenge Fund Advisory Group (IWTAG) is the IWT Challenge Fund’s advisory panel, consisting of a range of experts from UK government, academia, law enforcement, and the private sector. IWTAG advises Defra on the development of the fund, reviews applications, and makes technical recommendations.

As Chair of IWTAG, Steven will lead the advisory group and help shape the strategic direction of the IWT Challenge Fund. He will chair meetings, oversee robust decision-making processes, advise Defra on the fund's development, and represent the fund at key events and engagements.

Outgoing Chair of IWTAG, John E. Scanlon, who led the group from 2020 to 2026, shared the following. “It’s been a great honour to work with such dedicated experts from across academia, civil society, and government in providing robust advice on the allocation of funding and on the strategic direction of the Fund for the past six years. I extend my most sincere thanks to all the wonderful colleagues I’ve had the great pleasure of working with and to the UK Government for its steadfast support of the Fund. I wish my worthy successor, Steve, every success in assuming the role of incoming Chair of this invaluable source of funding to tackle the scourge of wildlife crime.”

Steven brings over 30 years of experience mobilising research, policy attention, and practical action to address conflicts between commerce and nature, particularly those connected with trade in wild animals and plants. Whilst working for IUCN and TRAFFIC, he helped draft wildlife trade laws and regulations, led investigations, and compiled case evidence used by enforcement authorities. Steven also engaged extensively in CITES and diverse other policy fora, encouraged private sector action to avoid involvement in illicit trade, and championed the deployment of behaviour change approaches to reduce harmful wildlife demand.

Steven currently works as an independent consultant, and has been engaged by UNODC, the European Commission, UNCTAD, the CITES Secretariat, and others. This follows 25 years serving as the Director at TRAFFIC until 2021.

“It’s a great honour to succeed John Scanlon as IWTAG Chair, contributing to the UK’s on-going efforts to tackle illegal wildlife trade. My own work on wildlife trade issues, spanning local investigations and research in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, through to engagement with high-level decision-makers in government and business, should prove valuable in this role. What excites me the most about chairing this advisory group is the opportunity to help bring to bear the great pool of knowledge and experience held by IWTAG members to guide UK investment and action to address this critical threat to nature and people,” shares Steven.

The team at the Biodiversity Challenge Funds would like to thank John for his leadership, support, and dedication during his time as Chair of the Advisory Group. We are also delighted to congratulate Steven on his appointment and we look forward to the leadership and insight he will bring to the Advisory Group!

Please note that a new funding round of the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund is expected to open later this year.

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