INVESTING IN NATURE: THE IMPLICATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATION
MATT WALPOLE
Matt grew up on a smallholding in Cornwall before forging a career in conservation that has seen him work and travel in over 70 countries.
After completing a PhD in nature-based tourism and a period undertaking research in human-wildlife conflict and coexistence in Africa and Asia, Matt moved to Cambridge where he spent the best part of two decades in the international conservation charity sector.
For half of this, Matt was based at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, developing and delivering global biodiversity indicators and assessments for the UN and helping governments to mainstream biodiversity into wider decision-making. During that time he also directed the secretariat of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment, the first of its kind to explore the value of nature to society.
Matt also had two stints working at Fauna & Flora International, first leading a programme linking wildlife conservation and rural livelihoods, and subsequently as Senior Conservation Director overseeing a growing portfolio of field conservation projects with partners worldwide. Prior to joining Cornwall Wildlife Trust in September 2022, Matt worked as a strategic advisor at WWF International, with a particular focus on area-based conservation.