James Watson

Professor James Watson is a conservation scientist at The University of Queensland with over two decades of experience in global conservation planning. His work focuses on spatial planning, protected areas, biodiversity outcomes, and climate change, working closely with governments, NGOs, and industry. He is a Senior Technical Expert with the United Nations Development Programme and has contributed to major international initiatives, including as a lead author for the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Spatial Planning Assessment and to International Union for Conservation of Nature Best Practice guidelines.

He is a former global president of the Society for Conservation Biology (2015–2017) and has published over 400 peer-reviewed papers. James advises several organisations and serves as Deputy Chair of Queensland’s Landscape Restoration Fund. He is also a passionate birdwatcher and leads the RARES Group, focused on applied research for conserving Australia’s rarest species.