Core specialism: Acting as Lender's Independent Expert, reviewing major projects in their implementation of IFC PS6 (& interlinking PSs). Performed via biodiversity-impact risk review, due diligence audit and compliance monitoring for the duration of the loan.
Since 2011, I've specialised in biodiversity and natural resource-related ESG Due Diligence review and compliance auditing on behalf of a range of international Lenders. My work uses technical safeguards such as IFC's Performance Standard 6 to systematically identify material risks and review the performance of projects seeking/being financed in emerging economies - currently Mozambique, Guinea, Uganda, Tanzania and Papua New Guinea. This entails in-depth assessment of a Client's management of their biodiversity impact mitigation against Lender requirements, including biodiversity offset implementation. I work primarily within Category-A higher risk industries such as mining (feasibility, extraction, rail export and port facilities) and oil & gas (exploration, construction, pipelines, operation) projects.
My focus areas for biodiversity risk and management include:
ecological impact management across multiple threatened habitats and species,
monitoring/evaluation of pressure/state/response characteristics,
biodiversity offset design & implementation to compensate for significant residual impacts,
ecosystem service preservation,
reinstatement/regeneration, of impacted landscapes,
invasive species management, and
mitigation of impacts associated with enhanced and/or induced access.
This entails assessing a project's systematic implementation (then maintenance) of the full mitigation hierarchy, prioritising avoidance, minimisation and management of impacts on biodiversity and natural resources. This typically requires the attainment of good industry practice at appropriate levels and project phases.
I've worked with, and on behalf of, a variety of Lenders, conservation NGOs, responsible businesses and government agencies, on projects at global, national and site levels.
I'm privileged to be a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and Institute of British Geographers.