Summary
Biodiversity and conservation policy specialist with over 20 years’ experience advancing complex, inclusive policy agendas across Asia-Pacific, with first hand expertise in development of the Global Biodiversity Framework, National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, regional coordination, and multilateral environmental processes. Proven track record of providing technical assistance to governments and partners, translating global biodiversity commitments into practical, community-led and rights-based approaches, and influencing national, regional, and international policy outcomes. Highly skilled in partnership building, cross-regional learning, and stakeholder mobilisation, with strong geopolitical awareness and experience engaging regional institutions, UN processes, donors, and civil society. Recognised for collaborative, diplomatic leadership and the ability to synthesise complex information into clear guidance that strengthens advocacy, capacity building, and policy impact in support of ambitious, inclusive and equitable biodiversity outcomes.
Publications
• SPREP (Unpublished, 2018- 2025) Pacific CBD COP briefs
• SPREP (2020), State of Environment and Conservation in the Pacific Islands: 2020 Regional Report. Straza TRA (author). Wheatley A, Anderson P, Callebaut J, Reupena L (eds). Apia, Samoa: Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
• Fiona Leverington, Ann Peterson and Gregory Peterson with Warren Jano, James Sabi and Amanda Wheatley (2017) Assessment of management effectiveness for Papua New Guinea’s protected areas 2017. SPREP, Apia, Samoa.
• Sunshine Coast Council (2013 unpublished) Sunshine Coast Biodiversity Report
• Division of Environment and Conservation (2008) National Invasive Species Action Plan (Samoa) July 2008 – June 2011
• SPREP (2020), State of Environment and Conservation in the Pacific Islands: 2020 Regional Report. Straza TRA (author). Wheatley A, Anderson P, Callebaut J, Reupena L (eds). Apia, Samoa: Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
• Fiona Leverington, Ann Peterson and Gregory Peterson with Warren Jano, James Sabi and Amanda Wheatley (2017) Assessment of management effectiveness for Papua New Guinea’s protected areas 2017. SPREP, Apia, Samoa.
• Sunshine Coast Council (2013 unpublished) Sunshine Coast Biodiversity Report
• Division of Environment and Conservation (2008) National Invasive Species Action Plan (Samoa) July 2008 – June 2011
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science (Resource and Environmental Management) with first-class Honours, at the Australian National University (ANU).
Work Experience
2026 - present, Independent consultant- Biodiversity Policy Specialist
- Asia-Pacific Policy Coherence and Integration Analyst for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supporting countries advance policy coherence and alignment in the implementation of their updated biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs), March 2026- present.
2014 to 2026 – Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP); (based in Samoa and Fiji)
- 2019 - 2026, Biodiversity Adviser managing a diverse team, and providing technical and policy guidance to 21 Pacific Islands countries and territories on biodiversity conservation and implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- 2014-2019, Ecosystem and Biodiversity Officer providing technical and policy support to Pacific island governments, as well as implementation of projects with governments and global donors.
2005 to 2014 Sunshine Coast Council, Environment Branch, Australia.
Positions held include: Biodiversity officer, Waterways officer, Sustainability officer and Biodiversity and community partnership officer.
2003 – 2005 Australian Government, Department of the Environment, Wildlife Australia Branch, Wildlife Trade and Enforcement. Officer working in team responsible for establishing Australia’s position on international environment issues related to international conventions including the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).
2002 – 2003 Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Government of Samoa.
Through the AusAID Australian Youth Ambassador program working as a Biodiversity Officer developing the National Invasive Species Management Strategy and Action Plan for Samoa.
- Asia-Pacific Policy Coherence and Integration Analyst for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supporting countries advance policy coherence and alignment in the implementation of their updated biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs), March 2026- present.
2014 to 2026 – Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP); (based in Samoa and Fiji)
- 2019 - 2026, Biodiversity Adviser managing a diverse team, and providing technical and policy guidance to 21 Pacific Islands countries and territories on biodiversity conservation and implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- 2014-2019, Ecosystem and Biodiversity Officer providing technical and policy support to Pacific island governments, as well as implementation of projects with governments and global donors.
2005 to 2014 Sunshine Coast Council, Environment Branch, Australia.
Positions held include: Biodiversity officer, Waterways officer, Sustainability officer and Biodiversity and community partnership officer.
2003 – 2005 Australian Government, Department of the Environment, Wildlife Australia Branch, Wildlife Trade and Enforcement. Officer working in team responsible for establishing Australia’s position on international environment issues related to international conventions including the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).
2002 – 2003 Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Government of Samoa.
Through the AusAID Australian Youth Ambassador program working as a Biodiversity Officer developing the National Invasive Species Management Strategy and Action Plan for Samoa.