I advise governments, aid agencies and conservation organisations on the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of ecosystems and ecological restoration. I am a seasoned biodiversity executive, leader and strategist in protected areas, species surveys, conservation planning, climate change adaptation, biodiversity strategy, biological information systems, and all steps in the project management cycle with extensive experience in Africa, Asia and Europe and in global perspectives.My passion is helping people to improve their own environment by creating new and more powerful 'socio-ecological systems' – that combination of institutions, understanding, and nature which generates wealth through sustainable use, conservation and restoration. As an author, I am concerned about the fundamental problems underlying unsustainable use of the Earth’s living resources and the destruction of biodiversity. I see these as arising from a growing disconnect between people and nature, and I believe that reconnecting with nature is the biggest challenge facing humankind today. These ideas can be found in my books .I’ve worn many hats in my career – team leader, project manager, trouble-shooter, facilitator, author, editor, researcher, fieldworker and strategist. I am equally at home undertaking field surveys with biologists, developing information systems with software geeks or discussing project risks and costs with executives. I will cram 40 years of experience into your programme to create something functional and beautiful.Specialities: natural resources, livelihoods, park planning, transfrontier conservation areas, species protection, ecosystem services, ecotourism, business enterprises, institutional strengthening, climate change, rangeland management, habitat restoration, rewilding and ecosystem modelling.