Key Areas: Climate change adaptation and mitigation, climate policy, sandy beach ecosystems, coastal management, forest restoration, nature-based solutions, renewable energy
Ashton has worked in the natural resource management, conservation, environmental education and research industries for the past 21 years and has worked with local, state and national governments, UN Conventions and Programmes, not-for-profit community groups, universities and environmental consultancies in a range of countries. He has played central roles in forest ecosystem restoration, coastal management and climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives, where empowering community, industry and government groups through strong engagement and the formation of partnerships.
His work with Universities in Australia, Seychelles, Gibraltar and the UK has given him an in-depth knowledge of the development and implementation of research, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum. As an Associate Professor and Head of Research for the University of Seychelles, Blue Economy Research Institute, he played a key role in establishing research programmes and the development of environmental science, marine science and climate change adaptation and mitigation modules.
Most recently, he works with BirdLife International, as the Global Climate Change Programme Coordinator, and the Convention on Migratory Species Energy Task Force Coordinator, this has greatly informed his knowledge and experience of the policies and processes of UN Conventions and Task Forces (UNFCCC, CBD, CMS, Ramsar). Working at the International level has allowed him to work at a range of scales from local to international, and to develop insights into the issues faced in developed and developing countries. As a co-chair of the Climate Action Network Ecosystems group he also works with a talented team advocating for the inclusion and elevation of biodiversity protection and ecosystem integrity into UNFCCC and national government climate action.