Background

Matt has recently returned to FFI (after 9 years working at UNEP-WCMC) as Senior Director of Conservation Programmes, and is responsible for FFI’s work in all four of its regional focal areas; Africa, Asia-Pacific, Americas & Caribbean and Eurasia. Matt is a conservation biologist by training, and after graduating from Cambridge spent ten years at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology working on park-people relations, ecotourism development and human-wildlife conflict in Africa and Asia.  

Between 2004 and 2007 Matt was at FFI leading a programme on biodiversity and human needs, the precursor to the current Livelihoods and Governance programme, as well as establishing FFI’s Rapid Response Facility for World Heritage Sites in danger. At UNEP-WCMC, Matt was initially Head of Ecosystem Assessment and subsequently he became part of the Senior Management Team. His work included developing and delivering global biodiversity indicators and building national capacity to mainstream biodiversity into wider development decision-making. 

Matt has occupied roles on various UN and international fora as well as on the CCI Council, and amongst other things is currently an advisor to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and a member of the judging panel of the World Responsible Travel Awards. He has worked and travelled in over 60 countries.