Jonathan Hughes, United Kingdom
18 April 2012 | Article
50 Comments
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Big ideas don’t always result in big changes. My focus as an IUCN Regional Councillor will be to ensure that the best ideas from IUCN Members are not just shared, but put into practice on the ground.
My career in conservation has always been about pioneering ideas and the application of these so they result in real change for nature. It is my ability to turn theory into reality which, I believe, will be a real asset to IUCN in Europe, and the IUCN Council.
The immediate challenge in the coming four years is to make the restoration of nature a central tenet of global economic and social decision making, using a ‘three pillar’ approach:
- Pillar 1: targeted species action
- Pillar 2: network of protected areas
- Pillar 3: restoration of ecosystem health
The third pillar is still relatively new territory for many of us, but one which must be tackled if we are to reverse continuing biodiversity losses in both terrestrial and marine environments. If elected I will therefore seek to forge creative partnerships between the IUCN and ‘non-usual’ economic and social interests, stressing the multiple wins to be gained from truly sustainable land and resource management.
Please post any comments or questions on this page.
Note that Jonathan Hughes will communicate in English.
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Jonathan Hughes
Photo: Jonathan Hughes
Jonny would be a real asset to the IUCN. In a world which is obsessed with GDP and economic growth, the value of the natural environment can be forgotten. Jonny has the expertise and knowledge to communicate how investment in nature can contribute to social and economic gains.
September 12, 2012 - 09:46
Through close collaboration with Jonny on a number of initiatives to enhance the relationship between urban and natural environments at a range of scales, I can strongly commend him to the IUCN Council as someone with a deep appreciation of the issues concerning man and nature at the ecosystems level, as well as having front edge experience of how to bring about change for the direct benefit of both.
September 10, 2012 - 00:43
Jonny is one of those rare, enthusiastic, open people - always interested and sometimes challenging (in a constructive sense). He's the sort of person that any NGO would benefit from greatly, with his positive contribution and determination to make a big difference.
September 9, 2012 - 21:11
I wholeheartedly endorse Jonny Hughes as an IUCN Regional Councillor. Jonny has the enviable ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice; to make the pure science of ecosystem health meaningful to those whose input and involvement is imperative - politicians, local communities, and, most important of all, real people on the ground.
September 8, 2012 - 10:31
Jonathan has been an excellent Vice Chair of the IUCN Peatland Programme in the UK. He has deep understanding of international conservation issues and is politically well connected and astute. Good luck Jonny!
September 8, 2012 - 09:45
I have known Jonny for 3 years. I am deeply impressed with his breadth of knowledge, dedication in biodiversity conservation and in his ability to impart detailed information in a way that motivates others. This ability is not confined to preaching to the converted but, of greater importance, he stimulates those who have yet to realize the vital need for conservation, be they politicians, academics or the public. Jonny has the qualities and skills needed to be a representative of the IUCN in its role of protecting nature. I fully support his candidacy.
September 6, 2012 - 23:03
I have known Jonny for 3 years. I am deeply impressed with his breadth of knowledge, dedication in biodiversity conservation and in his ability to impart detailed information in a way that motivates others. This ability is not confined to preaching to the converted but, of greater importance, he stimulates those who have yet to realize the vital need for conservation, be they politicians, academics or the public. Jonny has the qualities and skills needed to be a representative of the IUCN in its role of protecting nature. I fully support his candidacy.
September 6, 2012 - 20:45
I’ve worked closely with Jonny on a number of conservation issues over the last 12 months and strongly endorse his candidature. In addition to the points others have made in their own endorsements, Jonny has a deep interest in the application of ecosystems approaches to marine issues; this is likely to be an important area for IUCN over the coming decade.
September 4, 2012 - 13:51
I have known Jonathan for many years through my work in the Scottish Parliament. He works with tremendous energy, and unlike many environmentalists he understands realpolitik. I think he would make an excellent Regional Counsellor for Europe on the IUCN world council.
September 4, 2012 - 12:06
I am very pleased to be able to express my support for Jonny Hughes’ candidacy as Regional Councillor for Western Europe. Jonny brings the kind of vision, dedication and enthusiasm that IUCN needs at this time of unprecedented conservation challenges. We need to start thinking outside the box, and Jonny will help us do that. I believe that he will make an excellent Regional Councillor and I am delighted to give him my strong support.
September 4, 2012 - 11:27
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