Leader: Kerrie Wilson

Contributed by Kerrie Wilson

Job: I am the Director of Conservation for the Australia Program of The Nature Conservancy. 

Where do you work? Melbourne, Australia.

Describe your work: By working with several conservation organizations in Australia, I am involved in establishing conservation priority areas and activities, particularly in Mediterranean systems (focusing on the Gondwana Link project), and also in the northern savannas and the arid zone region of central Australia. My current research focuses on priority setting approaches for a range of spatial scales, and on techniques to monitor and evaluate conservation outcomes.
Previously, I was a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the Spatial Ecology Lab at the University of Queensland. While there, my research aimed to build upon existing tools for conservation planning by accounting for economics, landscape dynamics, and data uncertainty. As part of this research I developed a risk assessment and decision-support framework for the allocation of funds for conservation programs. The approach has been applied at local, national, regional, and global scales. 

What inspires you in your work?
I am inspired by nature and by the inspirational conservationists (both dedicated and aspiring) that I have had the privilege to meet. I am heartened by what collaborative effort is able to achieve.

Degree(s):
In 2003 I submitted my Ph.D. thesis titled "Incorporating data uncertainty and vulnerability into the selection of protected areas" through The University of Melbourne. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Queensland where I did a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Science (Honors).

Why is the Global Mediterranean Action Network exciting to you?
The Network has the potential to facilitate learning and exchange of ideas and conservation solutions. It also has the potential to raise public and political awareness of the conservation challenges and opportunities within the Mediterranean Biome.

How did your early experiences in nature influence you?
I have always been fascinated by nature and my upbringing provided amazing opportunities to develop a respect for living things. As a consequence, I have been an environmentalist from a young age. Growing up near to Fraser Island and having a family farm half covered in rainforest, I had many opportunities to explore natural places, witness our impact on the environment, and be involved in campaigns to mitigate this impact.

What are your favorite landscapes?
I particularly like low heath vegetation, but am also captivated by rainforests, and whenever possible I find myself exploring marine ecosystems as well. I am absolutely a nature-loving generalist.

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?
My hobbies and interests include bushwalking, running, swimming and generally enjoying nature and the environment.