For almost 50 years, Dick Watling has been known for his pioneering work, knowledge, leadership and publications on Pacific Islands wildlife, protected area management, forest and mangrove ecology, invasive species management, environmental education, EIA and environmental governance. During his career, Dick has produced illustrated nature books for kids, guides and scholarly works on Pacific Islands birds, palms and other wildlife. He founded Environmental Consultants Fiji Ltd, the Pacific’s first effective EIA entity; and also NatureFiji-MareqetiViti, Fiji’s highly successful local environmental NGO; and mentored many of the region’s most recognised young environmentalists.
Dick Watling’s life has been devoted to outcome-oriented applied conservation biology, with all of his initiatives, whether mangrove, forest or bird conservation, protected areas establishment and management, tourism resort planning, invasive species management or environmental education having been maintained and continued to be spearheaded by NatureFiji-MareqetiViti and a cadre of young professionals who will ensure that Dick’s legacy endures.
