Sara Thornton Email & Phone Number

Newport, Gb

Leicester, United Kingdom

Leicester, United Kingdom

Working on a project entitled ‘Development of Research Impact on the Ecosystem Services Provided by Tropical Peatlands’. I will be developing policy documents (engaging with stakeholders such as the IUCN), as well as teaching materials for the new A-level high school curriculum in the UK.

(Un)tangling the Net, Tackling the Scales and Learning to Fish in the Sabangau Assemblage: An Interdisciplinary Case Study in Indonesian BorneoMy PhD explores interdisciplinary approaches to conservation in Indonesian Borneo, using a case study of peatland fish and human fishing communities in the Sabangau (Central Kalimantan). My thesis considers the critiques surrounding the ecosystem service paradigm, and challenges dichotomies and hierarchies that are often imposed between different knowledge systems (‘local’ versus ‘scientific’ knowledge) and between academic disciplines (‘social’ and ‘natural’ sciences). I conducted the first detailed fish and river surveys in the area, accompanied by questionnaire surveys, focus groups and in-depth interviews in two local human communities that explored the importance of fish(ing), perceptions of environmental changes and challenges in relation to fish and livelihoods (such as increasing human populations, intensifying fishing practices and persistent use of fire) and cultural and spiritual relationships to the river and fish.

Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia

Main point of contact and organiser of volunteers participating in the summer volunteer program. Led data collection activities in the field and ensured volunteers were collecting data correctly in accordance with relevant protocols.Skills required: good social and management skills. Cultural sensitivity and awareness. An ability to work in a foreign country and with an international group of people. Good leadership skills and flexibility were necessary.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd)

Bsc Ecological Science Hons. (Conservation And Ecological Management), Ecology

Activities and Societies: Ecology Society, Editor for 'Sylva' Student Ecology Journal

International Baccalaureate, Ib Diploma