Colonel John Blashford-Snell at an early age had an interest in conservation and that desire has taken him around the world with the Scientific Exploration Society. Having organised and led over sixty expeditions, JBS has built up a reputation as a practical field engineer and become one of the world's most renowned and highly respected explorers. His innovative method of negotiating white water in inflatable boats has even been adopted as a world-wide sport.

JBS was awarded the famous Segrave Trophy in 1974 following the Zaire River expedition for demonstrating together with his comrades, "...how the display of courage, initiative and skill, the spirit of adventure itself, can assist in the development of transport by air, land and water." In recognition of his leadership of the Blue Nile. British Trans-Americas and Zaire River expeditions in 1975, he was awarded the Livingstone Medal by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

In 1993 the Royal Geographical Society presented him with their Patron's Medal for 'encouragement of exploration by young people' and the following year he was honoured by the Institute of Royal Engineers who awarded him their Gold Medal 'for the advancement of historical and scientific knowledge in relation to military engineering'.